Our Society's secretary, Gary Carlson, has produced an award-winning exhibit on the history of the Cummins machine cancels. This exhibit received a Gold Medal at the Napex event. It also received the Machine Cancel Society Bob Payne Award. This exhibit provides an amazing education for both new and experienced machine cancel collectors in both the history of the company and the cancellations impressed by the machines. This web page contains the text of the exhibit pages.
Benjamin Franklin Cummins
And His Attempt to Corner the US Machine Cancel Market
By the early 1900's the United States Post Office Department (USPOD) was using machines to postmark mail more
efficiently than could be done by hand. Over 25 companies had developed and tested machines in the hopes of being
awarded some of that business. After purchasing some machines of questionable value by 1904 the USPOD was leasing
machines annually with contracts beginning July 1 of each year.
The Time Marking Machine Co. (TMM Co.) machines included a working clock allowing the postmark to include the
exact minute that the mail item was postmarked. This was believed to be of value at a time when it was important to
document the handling of the mail.
By 1905 the president of the TMM Co. was Benjamin Franklin Cummins who was also president of the Benjamin Franklin
Cummins Co (BFC Co.). The BFC Co. was already well known for their mechanical perforating machines used to cancel
legal documents and later provided the machines to produced perfins (perforated initials) in US postage stamps.
B. F. Cummins was an aggressive businessman who also seemed to gain some advantage by being the brother of Senator
Albert B. Cummins (two time presidential candidate) from Iowa. Under Benjamin Franklin Cummins leadership the
TMM Co received contracts to lease machines to the USPOD starting in 1907 and running into 1913.
Starting in 1911 the BFC Co. focused their attention on developing high speed machines for the new lease period starting
July 1, 1913. The USPOD advertised for bids for high, medium and low speed machines to be submitted Oct, 1911 for the
upcoming contract. The BFC Co. submitted a bid for all of the business at one low price and accompanied this with a
secret letter detailing their individual prices. This unusual bid threw the bidding process into chaos and ultimately
resulted in two additional bids, the appointment of a machine cancel committee to evaluate machines, numerous tests in
Chicago and Washington and finally a Congressional investigation into the procurement practices of the USPOD.
This exhibit will use postmarked covers to show the development and commercial uses of the TMM Co. machines, detail
the history of the hand-cranked machines sold to postmasters and explore BFC Co. postmarks during the development
and testing of the new high-speed technology designed to compete for the 1913 contract.
Exhibit Outline 1) Title Page
2) Background 1898 - 1903
3) Time Marking Machine Co. (TMM Co.)
a) Tests 1905 - 1906
b) Leased Machines 1907 — 1913
i) A Postmarks 1907
ii) B Postmarks 1907
iii) C Postmarks 1908
iv) A Postmarks Revisited 1909
v) D Postmarks 1910
c) Doremus Rebuilds 1910
d) Sorting Tables 1911
4) Benjamin Franklin Cummins Co. (BFC Co.)
a) Hand Powered Machines Sold to Postmasters 1911
b) Development of High Speed Technology 1911
c) Purchase of 55 Machines 1912
d) Continued Development 1912 — 1913
e) Final Activity to 1964
Se
Background
During the late 1890’s, the USPOD was focused on providing timely service. Several attempts were known to include
clock driven mechanisms in postmarking machines to document the exact postmarking time.
The first known postmark to have a working clock was developed by James P. Malonee. He referred to his machine as
a“Time Stamp”. It was similar to a stapler with a large head and did not have the capability to feed envelopes or to
work at high speeds. Hand pressure caused application of the postmark.
Ve a
Ue g- 3 |
eaten Op -cuty ,
) Pirranay Lavy
1891 Mallonnee postmark, known only from Washington, D.C.
Note that the minute portion of the time was being rotated into position as this envelope was postmarked. (ex-Langford)
What is a working clock? Removable slugs were typically inserted into postmarking devices to print the time to the nearest hour or
half hour. Allowing for the possibility that slugs were available for every quarter hour and perhaps every 10 minutes. This would
allow the possibility of times ending in :15, :45 as well as :10, :20, :-40 and :50 from a typical postmark. This accounts for 8 of the
possible minute markings out of a 60 minute hour. Any of the other 52 minutes would seem to indicate a working clock.
Of course a postmark with a working clock can still give for example a time ending in: 00 if that happened to be the correct time when
the postmark occurred. Also a machine with a clock may have it turned off or stuck in a position where it leaves a postmark ending
in 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 or 9 and still not be actually working, although the capability of a working clock was present.
In this exhibit I will refer to postmarks with times ending in 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 or 9 as indicating a working clock. Except for very rare
postmarks they are also confirmed by a database recording observations of over 2800 Time Marking Machine postmarks.
Background
Ernst R. Malmborg had patented a time stamp device similar to that of James P. Mallonnee on Oct. 14, 1890. On July 31,
1899 Malmborg received US Patent No. 615,031 for a “Postmarking and Canceling Machine” which featured a working
clock capable of including the time to the nearest minute in the postmark. This early machine had a unique postmark dial
rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the normal orientation. This wa: s to accommodate the working clock and the
subsequent revolving wheels of the clock which were on the same axis as the postmark dial. As all subsequent TMM Co.
postmarks this had the date and time on the same line.
This early machine had a unique postmark dial rotated 180 degrees from the normal orientation. This was to
accommodate the working clock and the subsequent revolving wheels of the clock which were on the same axis as the
postmark dial.
Machine No.
Dial rotated 90° o clockwise > acacia ,
BS) ap a ae - * = —_ a, lin
\ % _ =. ———— ‘ —— ° “ciller ° ns =z “=< j ™ i oe _—_—_— a
mh — / en a
If not called for within Five Days, return to ] P. O. Drawer 135, Chicago,-Ill.. |
| i oO La yo Te ZA ;
‘ [so ¥ 26 | ‘oe p> 3s \o ho Gs
Oe a= Oo) SY wy O
MNekaiatia lire tar Age |
1898 Test of early Malmborg cancelling machine. Note the time of 2:24 PM.
Background
Malmborg continued to improve his machines. Five additional patents were granted from 1897 through early
1903 and the improved machines were once again tested in Chicago.
) TE
“
MAIL ORDER DEALER IN .
reiiae WATCH
81 S, CLARK STREET
CHICAGO, ILL,
Test of Malmborg machine in 1903 with the clock dials removed to postmark 3™ class mail. (ex-Payne)
It is very unusual to see an experimental postmark used for printed matter. This would seem to be especially the case for a machine
which was specifically designed to feature a working clock. Perhaps it was tested on 3” class mail as they wanted to determine the
ability of the clock to be removed when it was not needed.
Background
The BEC Co. started in 1887 with “the introduction of a perforator that revolutionized the banking industry” (http://www.cumminsallison.com/default.htm, website of Cummins-Allison Co.).
Their perforating technology was also used to create unusual perforated advertising covers.
ra
Germania Saving & Loan Society, 4
o
San Francisco, ae
Cal.
\
In 1907, perforated initials (perfins) were allowed on US postage stamps
as a security measure for companies
as shown here with the “BFC Co” 2
line perfin. Early mail related business for the BFC Co.
Time Marking Machine Co. Early Tests
Based on successful tests of the Malmborg technology the Time Marking Machine Co. received a contract to supply up to
30 machines to the USPOD during the period of July 1, 1904 to June 30, 1905. No machines were supplied under this
contract. Malmborg continued to improve his machine and his later patents were assigned to the TMM Co. and often
had B. F. Cummins signature as witness.
The machines continued to include a working clock but the postmark dial has now been rotated with the town name at
the top of the dial. This postmark type is classified as an A-100 in the early studies by Geschwindner, Morris and Koontz
published in the Machine Cancel Forum.
Date and timeon _, 8 Horizontal
same line ; lines with no
diespace.
Test postmark from Washington D.C. of a Time Marking Machine postmark. Note the time of 7:04 PM.
Examples are known from June 28 and 29. Evidently the test was unsuccessful as no contract was awarded for the
coming fiscal year.
Time Marking Machine Co. Early Tests
— Sy, Sa as s sa CERNE
POS CARERS Lae Photocopy of Front (reduced)
pote ~ Phat SE, JO ga >
A second test was run with examples again known from only two days. This is the earliest known usage from this test. A
postmark was applied to the back of the card along with the message:
“Here is the first postal card to go through the new time marking machine showing the exact time.
Done it myself. Please keep this souvenir card.
The card is unsigned and addressed to T. S. Morton who no known relationship to the TMM Co.
Time Marking Machine Co. Early Tests
Testing continued in Chicago throughout 1905 and into 1906 using a new A-101 type postmark.
Machine
Number
A Dial
Circular with
Month, Day, Time 101 Killer
and Year within —+> 8 Horizontal
Dial Bar Killer
: ri ON a ADDL SP GEA EN EELS.
ie qe47iu) “gee oe 4 j ‘e OD - ; STEAL ee a ‘ste ce aor te
ee Fae
‘This side is for the address. |
___ Hi CL ei gh to n C
o. P o r H a n d , M e . M e n u f a c t u r e r s
of P os
te l
Ca rd s. M
ad e
in Ge rm an y.
3
é
In late 1905 the Chicago Post Office was in the process of moving to a new building.
A new machine was tested at a temporary Post Office in October.
This is the earliest reported example (ERU) from this test, which ran for 3 days.
Time Marking Machine Co. Early Tests
Testing continued at the new Post Office.
a | GEORGE BARRIE & Sons, ANCA Publishers, (Cx NOV ~OV
356 Dearborn Street, Peet \ 2 6- 04 PM]
\ i805 / ay C2 = 4
Nd Ne area FJ “tr pep LUT NS TEES toad seen a
O T
CHICAGO.
Me. Virgil Brand,
1251 Elston Ave.,
Ciicago, Ill.
Tests continued for nearly one month beginning on Oct. 31. Note the abbreviation of ILL.
THIS SIDE FOR THE AUDRESS. ner gee
Late in 1905 the dial was changed to one using the abbreviation ILLS.
The 100 type postmark (with no die space) was used in this test.
This may have been the machine tested in Washington at the end of September, 1905.
Time Marking Machine Co. Early Tests
A final test was run late in December 1905.
| After 5 days, return to = ant a
THE MECHANICAL RUBBER CO., {&CAGY 2 “3 oe
; 230 Randolph St., Ex f) EG Or, aint hs aeegee ME ore
CHICAGO, ILL. ow WE ig ae 4, [22 7- 45 PM} Sea
Latest reported use (LRU) for 1905 Chicago tests.
Time Marking Machine Co. Early Tests
The TMM Co postmarks used a dial which had a permanent year. This required a new dial at the start of a new year.
These are always distinguishable. Some are distinguished by minor changes in the fonts and location of the letters.
Others have larger more obvious differences. The dial in 1906 continued to use ILLS. as the abbreviation for Illinois
but the O in Chicago is now tall and narrow compared to the rounded O used in 1905.
Re tu rn ,
if no t
ca ll ed
fo r
in FI VE
da ys .
**OLD AND TRIED’?
Pee
Insurance @o. Se
WESTERN DEPARTMENT
208 and 210 La Salle St., CHICAGO, ILL.
J. L. WHITLOCK, Manager,
CeE_.
THESSPACE ABOVE IS’ RESERVED FOR POSTMARK = Sat i” spit a = iz aie
THE SPAGE BELOW IS_FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY,
[/ ( HE CAL Ab a “@ ee OG (2
: \ .
: C ig ==
Pair of test postmarks using the same dials. Examples form this final test are known from May 11 through June 14.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — A Postmarks
The 1905 and 1906 tests led to a lease machines beginning July 1, 1906. Six machines were supplied under this
contract. These used the A postmark with a 102 type killer (which was a 101 type modified with the die space
moved to the left a little). The die space could be used for either a machine number of service letter.
Service marks were inserted in the postmark to specify where mail originated. Four service markings were use, C, D, Rand T:
C for “Collected at outlying mailboxes”, D for “Deposited at Post Office”, R for “Received” and T for “Transit”.
These were often not changed properly, e.g. R used in an originating postmark.
This Side for the Address Only.
Evanston received one of the new machines.
Ss assy. 18/404 D5PM
7
o s
;
T o m
Jo ne s, Ci nc in na ti ,
O.
®
Note the dial change from 1907 to 1908 noticeable in the larger font for EVANSTON.
Time Marking Machine Co. . Leased Machines — A Postmarks
t =
The day and time line of the dial could be removed and used to cancel printed matter which did not require even a date of mailing.
The 1 cent stationery paid the printed matter contract rate to Germany.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — A Postmarks
——— ETT A;
After 5 days, return to
MBRCHANTS NATIONAL BANK,
EF CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA.
Pa
ee
Later it was used with machine #1 in the diespace.
There never was a machine #2.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — A Postmarks
&
THIS SIDE FOR THE ADDRESS. ee os / /
| Sea ws Bote ose oA
| |
| | | |
Springfield, IL also received one of the first 6 machines. Note the impression of a screwhead to the left of the dial as well as the
inclusion of 1 in the killer diespace.
THIS SIDE FOR THE ADDRESS.
|
Later in 1907 the dial was changed as evidenced by the wider 1907. Also the 1 was removed from the diespace.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — A Postmarks
|
3 re eee aoe ince
HE Pw 2 spel : ~ 4 .
ls Wer. Weve : Ya. Concrete
= AGd Ley Aue AA, |
To . LLL. Z a {F JA Neitk., |
ei scpaneasea elon 4 4 The first dial used at Elgin, IL had IL abbreviated at the top of the dial and a 1 in the killer die space.
Retun i in Five Days OT GT
THE D.E. WOOD BUTTER eer i voy Wy ELGIN, ILLINOIS me -
ie ea Pi
| 1907 SLES:
State Bank of Wonewoc,
| : Wonewoc, Wis.
:
Later in 1907 they used a dial with ILLS. at the bottom of the dial and the 1 removed from the killer leaving a blank diespace .
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — A Postmarks
pV Ve eS ONE GENT
LaAWG FI fx . < Oo 7
17 8- 237M ae Ni aia
La QW Gi 1&> cS SO
1251 Elston Ave.,
fv. 2 - 7
Chicago, Ill. Oo
A series of postal cards showing advancing minutes indicative of a working clock.
The month slug was omitted for these postmarks but they are from the second dial used in 1908 in Springfield.
This dial has a reported use from Aug. 20 through Oct. 2, 1908. The only 17 within that span is Sept. 17.
Time Marking Machine Co. ‘ Leased Machines — A Postmarks
The final machine for the contract year ending June 30, 1907 was installed in Chicago.
Additional Chicago machines would soon follow.
_—— Se rt yee ee —E.HORNE © aes.
BAR DRAINERS AND BEER COOLERS D7 \ nn STEAM TABLES AND BEER[DRIPS, py ea ,
SALOON WORK A SPECIALTY“ a 2
111 FRANKLIN STREET 19:07 =
~fLLE
Sk S*/ Slow pan
Ze
Ye
Note the working clock and 12:42 postmark time.
— — e
G\CAG
Gran 123 3- GOPM} pe If
- ae cb haovl. 16 MCEREO FORCES ETAL CARE R B
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY,
State Bank of Wonewoe,
Wonewoo ,
Wis. eee Ate a
Canceled on the same date at 3:30 PM less than three hours later.
The service letter has been changed to a D.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — A Postmarks
Business began picking up with the next contract year starting July 1, 1907. Additional machines were installed in Chicago. Five different dials were used in Chicago, commonly referred to by a letter designation, as shown in the
following Table. At least three machines were required to cover these dates likely used.
Dial ERU LRU
a 2/11/1907 6/21/1907
b 7/24/1907 11/22/1907
c 9/11/1907 11/30/1907
d 9/17/1907 11/6/1907
e 8/31/1907 9/6/1907
CAR ACAD ae Oe van, ON [ t oN & SE : ECAR
foe soecaP rl \" 8- 186M i Be “or 3 7- CB PM 1907 1907 Oe F i907 fils “LLL al NALL-
Diea Die b Die c Die d Die e
Small Font Chicago Narrow 1907 Wide 1907 Short 1907 Large 1907 One way to differentiate these dials is to look closely at the way that the 1907 lines up with the ILL.
In particular look at the angle of the upright portions of both L’s and where they would intersect with 1907 if extended upwards.
RETURN IN 30 DAYS
ee Ree Ty AGN oe § fO%0CT<O
) pf? r\ 4
) ‘A 40) ft Zn € / WAA 19 ) i au ae Oo PM a \ ;
AX 1 \ ry {er |
Tuford Horse and Cattle Co.,
Virginia City F Montana
It appears that first machine was fitted with a new dial in late July. This b dial has a narrow 1907.
Note the very large circular ‘C’ service letter used with this dial.
Leased Machines — A Postmarks
Time Marking Machine Co.
Two additional machines were used in Chicago starting in the fall of 1907.
RETURN IN 6 DAYS TO 1 Dial c
ALWART BROS. COAL CO. Wide 1907 165 WEST WEBSTER AVE.,
CHICAGO.
v. Brand Brewing Co.,
Bie we A Eas ox SEP. "O\ q i eee __
a Sonne eee fe t e
i f 6 ~ f PM \ j a es —s ey Dial d meee / } — 0 La an Small 1907
(See ares €
THE SPACE ABOVS |S RESERVED FOR POSTMARK.
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
Brand Brg, Co.;
40, IF NOT DELIVERED IN 5 DA Coke AD
UNITED STATE ‘ OF oe vie C8 PM 4
e8e6- chicago | Ey O7 # C :
Me L/ : meee
Dial e Large 1907
OL Laand
(28) Elite. Boe _|
1
oa
The ‘e’ dial was actually known used before the ‘c’ and ‘d’ dials it was probably discovered after the designations had already been
made for the other machines. Because of its short use period it is likely that it is from a test.
Time Marking Machine Co.
JOHN EVERETT
President
EVERETT
AUDIT
COMPANY
CHICAGO
Eric J. EVERETT
Secretary
We SO sty my RE
Leased Machines — A Postmarks
Brand Brewing Oo6.,
1251 Elston Aves,
Chicago.
The A-102 type postmarks appear for one day in January of 1908.
Because of the scarcity of examples and the fact that both reported examples are from the same date, it is likely from a test.
Time Marking Machine Co.
pevy jog
paed jsog — ajeysod ay1eD
azavgilod
L o 7
nfs, Z 4
ff i L apy , hyp
CA dt LAE
Leased Machines — A Postmarks
4 3 of ¥/ g-
|
é |
LEE, tetryy zg “Le ase he
a “ve
Ff, 7
fAtise
on qepueqyog s}yoyjeddy avwyely
duvo LSOd — ALYVNLSOd — LYOMARYa |
ATTESUTAINA TIVLSOd NOINA N
SIVLSOd alavo
Brooklyn, NY also received one of the early machines but is not known to have used it to cancel mail.
Rather it was used to impress a dial only receiving mark in 1907 and 1908 on incoming mail.
Time Marking Machine Co. Rectangular Postmarks
In late 1907 the TMM Co introduced a machine which impressed rectangular postmarks having the month and year outside the
rectangle. This external month and year would be a feature of later TMM and BFC postmarks. With a removable year in the
killer bars the dials did not need to be replaced at the beginning of a new year. These postmarks are identified as B postmarks
and were always used with a 111 killer. Five different rectangular dies are known to have been used in Chicago.
Rectangular Postiiakk Left side of center bars removed for year.
Month, Day, Time and YX
Year on Center Line
; D ane
ww Service Letter
(CHICAGO ; eae e eed - Die ERU LRU
17 10- OAM, 1907 a | 1127/1907 | 2/4/1908 fale [cles es a 7/1/1908 7/15/1908 THE SPACE ABOVE IS RESERVED FOR POSTMA b 2/26/1908 6/30/1908
RPOSTAL-CAR D. Le | 2esns08 T 6726/1908 s THE SPACE BELOW. Is -FOR«THE-ADDRESS. ONLY. d 3/10/1908 6/19/1908
e 7/1/1908 7/15/1908
After 5 days, return to
AMERICAN SAND & GRAVEL CO,
see 907 Chamber of Commerce
Wate. CHICAGO Ju L
The a die variety had a very long leg on the second L in ILL.
Introduced on Nov. 27, 1907, it was used until Feb. 4, 1908.
After a brief absence this die was re-used from July 1, through July 9, 1908.
Time Marking Machine Co. Lease Machines - B Postmarks
f
7 *...
COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, cr I ee
CITY OF CHICAGO. (CH | CAGO | - >
E. J. MAGERSTADT, COLLEBTOR. — - i908 ey, 0 OEM
is \ coo s
UU /Srawd
Jeo 4 Cllr ae
RETURN IF NOT CALLED ror FIV
The b die had flattened oval letters in Chicago. Used from Feb. 26, 1908 until June 30, 1908.
Brand Brewing Co.,
Elston Av., & Snow St.,
| Robt tklot3 & Co. PATEHNT ATTORNEYS Chicago, Ill,
MACHINE BXPERTS
Svirp 911 Sonity~prR BvuiILpING |
No. 103-109 Ranpotren Sr.
OHICAGO, ILL.
me =
The c die with had a narrow ILL along with round lettering in CHICAGO.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - B Postmarks
AD BbL ERR aS
Room 1021; Schiiler Building,” CHICAGO, ILL.
Mr. Virgil M. Brand,
Elston Ave. and Snow St.,
Care of Brand Brewing Co. Chicago.
The d die has a very upright O in Chicago. The upright of the first L in ILL. , if extended, would bisect the second C in Chicago.
CotumBia Conserve Co. INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Ber Shin —- as
The e die introduced is distinguishable based on shape and spacing of letters in CHICAGO and width of ILL.
The last die was also only used in July 1908 and postmarks occasionally had with a serifed 1 in 1908.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — B Postmarks
A machine impressing a rectangular TRANSIT postmark without killer was used in Pittsburg, PA, the only city known.
tohave used a TMM Co transit postmark. They must have felt these transit markings important since they ultimately
used three different TMM Co. transit markings.
wins 998 7 aut PS" eee
PENERAL DELIVERY | Lgaretn seetsee
Re as Ai Nae: ee
Scan of front (reduced 70%)
ir 7" eaecenane . RATT eliRG Od, |
JU 4 1 ae . & MER so j
N24 6-34PH | igog) Too eee: s RA TRANS IT | ae
|
i \}
My
Transit postmark on cover mailed in Parkersburg, WV to Toronto, Canada.
Note that the top line reads Pittsburgh, PA.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — B Postmarks
NEWYORK BERLIN PRINTED IN GERMANY
A B-111 postmark was used very briefly in Pittsburgh. This is not the same postmark die as was used for the transit which was
introduced over a year earlier. Only two copies are known both from the same date. It is likely that one of the B machines was
moved to Pittsburg from Chicago.
Note that the top of the dial reads Pittsburg with Pa at the base of the rectangle.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - C Postmarks
The Chicago rectangular postmarks were replaced with a new postmark starting with the USPOD contract which began
on July 1, 1908. These continued with the month and year being located outside of the dial. The machine number was
inserted in to the dial above the state. Chicago initially used a dial designated as a Ca which contained a machine
number above the state at the bottom of the dial. The Chicago machines are not known with a working clock.
This killer design was the first of a variety of related killers having the center bars indented for the year. The bottom two bars
contained a displace for the service letter. This killer design is referred to as a 111, also used with the rectangular postmarks..
Month, Day, Time and Year on same line
j T - —— z ss
, eee OO MON (be TIME YEAR
\ ‘ cma XK” J a
N\_ STATE’ —__ C
Service Letter
From Sse
A. W. JEFFERIS & BANKERS.
or JUL CHICAGO.
Return if not called for within Five DA
7 11-00 4M
1
W/L
Brand Brewing Oo.,
Elston Cor, Snow Sts.,
Chicago, Tll.
Ca-111, Machine #1
hine C Leased Machines - C Postmarks Time Marking Machine Co. |
sep (14 5-30PN) 1908 |
| 2 —cr- 310 TRADERS BUILDING ALL: :
CHICAGO
VILAS BROT ee wi 1908
LH eZ ee Ba
_ You can pay this bill at any Office of The ce Yee ZALAY © A GS soca cme eS = United States Express Co. /<*
eee
MAIN OFFICE: ag {13 5-00°M| 1908 —_ 9 87, 89 & 91 Washington Street, 4 eee a
JL fue , weaver C
~. OWNER OR OCCUPANT, 2
ae 9s
23 se 25 |
g a - = a ea z
Ca-111 postmarks from Chicago machine #2, #3 and #4.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — C Postmarks
This 111 killer was modified by inserting a space in the center of the two center bars for the machine number which
was removed from the dial. The bottom two bars still contained a diespace for the service letter. This killer design is referred to asa112. Fourteen machines impressing this postmark were used in Chicago and 7 in other cities.
ee
> \ Ty " — —— ———— Machine
. - ‘ ~~ a Od Number
fo ~\) oo C-112 MON {DD TIME | YEAR
\ j a — ee _
\ . ee oo Service
: YTATE “ cement - Mark
{
| ‘After 10 dates, feta to
| W. H. SALISBURY & CO.,
166 & 168 Wabash Ay., .
CHICAGO, ILL. EB
virgil M. Brand,
-Elston Avee & Snow St.
City.
C-112 from machine #6.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — C Postmarks
Circular Dial
|
i
i
a Gio tas
‘IN 5 DAYS RETURN TO
UNITED STAMP COMPANY
1149-1151 MarouETTE Bipc,
CHICAGO
Dial Dented
MR. BRYANT POLLARD»
PROCTORSVILLE
VTe
C-112 type postmarks are known from Chicago having a blank die space.
Early usages have an undamaged circular dial, later examples show a dent above the A in Chicago.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — C Postmarks
After 10 days, return to
THE H. C0. MARSH Co.,
ROCKFORD, ILL. ZOGMFOSS
/ \ JUN Ene 1-CO PM
\ Z ITLL ——S
| Yao. aie ee
Sp Euenaenent ATES SSE WR I RA ABEL After 10 days, return to
INGERSOLL MILLING MACHINE CO., fo” FOS —entoe ; 7 ROCKFORD, ILL. f= ae
PRR 92] e250 FM) (Ste. L scttel
\ menmnesear { { ; \ on
Wortoan Coa. —_
After five days, return to PACK OAS
ROCKFORD BELTING CO., a 10 ROCKFORD, ILL.
MAR , 5 6-00 PN ( aie
Brand Brewing Co.,
2530 Elston Ave.
Cheago
Lk
Rockford, IL also used a C-112 postmark on machine #1.
Even though there was no need to change the dials with the new year they did use three different dials.
From the known dates (shown below) b and c may have been changed on the new year.
Die ERU LRU
a 3/31/1909 11/27/1911
b 2/21/1912 11/14/1912
c 1/13/1913 3/19/1913
Time Marking Machine Co.
a noon ame et
THIS SIDE FOR CORRESPONDENCE.
i —
ws POST “CARD Sem MARAIS
Leased Machines — C Postmarks
ESN z
Hi ' doug _ 12-30 PM} 1909 —
THE ADDRESS TO i ITTEN i ON THIS SIDE. exam th a= |
WIS:
Milwaukee received a machine and initially used it with a1 in the diespace.
It is only known to have been used from April 12 to April 16, 1909.
oBhis side may have a message written upon it for Inland Postage, but the right hand si must be reserved for address and stamp on 4
To
x SS VINA See Se
>
ee
5 $ & a a z = is oa
Zz ° o
ae
$ 3 6
é é z i
2 _"
“oe.
oe
“ELE
wt)
AEC ( 0 9-95
abe a
1S Cen ipis
oe mao
The machine appears to have been moved to Station B designated by the B in the diespace and was used
from late April 1909 into January 1910.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — C Postmarks
5 ! { |
ERE. ee 3a
ic (SF 08 13“114- 3UPM
pa ny .
St .
Lo ui
s,
Mo .
M a d e
in G e r m a n y .
L o u i s N e w s c H
ay,
y T h e
St .
e T
7 a
M E
B 1 97
07 Pa bl is he d
b: €
Kansas City used a machine with the service letter slug inserted the wrong way into the machine leaving the bottom of the slug
impressing a solid rectangle.
IN FIVE DAYS RETURN TO
Alcorn Wrass Mfg. Co. GREEN, FULTON AND PEORIA sTs. DEC
CHICAGO, ILL, |
Brand Brewing Co.,
; 1251 Elston Ave.,
gity °
Chicago’s machine #8 was also used with a black square from the inverted service letter slug.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - C Postmarks
In March of 1909 a new style of postmark was introduced in Chicago. These had a diespace cut into the left side of the top
two bars for the machine number. These postmarks, which continued to use the C dial, are classified as type C-113. This
change may have been done to make the number more visible as it often printed on the stamp when located in the center
of the killer bars. Chicago postmarks are known from machines numbered 1 through 20 along with single examples
which have been reported from machines 21 and 23. This postmark was not used anywhere else.
Top two lines cut for machine number
CTyYN =3“ ; 5
C- 118 MON {DD TIME’ | YEAR S . fT ATE : == Pho —_———S ene
Bottom two lines cut for service mark
Sse tS ee
RETURN IN 10 DAYS TO ae
InpEMNIaTY< CORN EXCHANGE BANK BUILDING
CHICAGO, MAR [24 8- o Pi
Brand Brewing Co.
1251 Elston Ave., cor Snow St.
Chicago,
| Till.
Earliest reported example of a C-113 postmark.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines C Postmarks
The C dials were occasionally changed during the operation of a particular machine. In the examples below, the killer
bars have also changed. This can be seen by the length of the top two bars to the left of the machine number which are
longer on the top example. This probably was indicative of a totally new machine being installed in position 7 at the
Chicago post office.
SECRETARY G. 0. HAUBOLD
370 WEST-BELMONT AVE.
cnicaeo, 1reJUL.
fgil Me “Brarid a
Distinct flag in G
srcinaaee 1251 Elston
City e
If not called for in Five Days, return to
ILLINOIS METAL CEILING AND SUPPLY CO.
23 LAKE STREET CHICAGO
Rounded G : SE Fl
maine = Classified
» Ceilings We Furnish and “apply Them, od.
t
Our Prices Will Interest You
These killers also differ by: Top Example Bottom Example
Number diespace tapers bars around the number squree bars around number Length of Left portion of top 2 bars 4.5mm 3mm
7 Style wider and shorter taller and thinner. Bar length left of C service letter 11.5 mm 13 mm.
OT
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — C Postmarks
The final killer used with the C postmarks had only the left portion of the top bar cut for the machine number. Twelve of
the 25 numbered machines in Chicago used this postmark at one time. These postmarks are classified as C-114. As with
the C-113 postmarks none are found in cities outside Chicago.
Top line cut for machine number
Seven vertical bar
killer
— es
————— —= milly
=... Bottom two lines cut for service mark
es
slid 2.
OFFICE AND INFIHMARY
1639 Wabash Ave., CHICAGO DEC Nica Telephone, Calumet 480
¢
C-113 and C-114 from machine 8 from later in 1909. Note that the dial has also changed with the December example having larger
letters in Chicago.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — C Postmarks
In addition to the 25 numbered machines and several with un-numbered machines, Chicago also used letters to designate
machines.
|
If not delivered return to
GERMAN SOCIETY OF
OHICAGO, TLE.
61 La SALLE StREepT
THL. MAIN 4026
Mr. Virgil M. Brand,
| Snow & Hlston Av-,
City.
The first of these lettered machines was from machine ‘X’ and was used on a C-114 type postmark. This was the only lettered
postmark C dial postmark. The postmark is reported from 1 week in August, 1909.
Time Marking Machine Co.
The C dial machines were also used at stations both in Chicago and in other cities.
ta "RETURN IN 5 DAYS %G"
GISLE N. MOE CARPENTER & GENERAL CONTRACTO
2738 E. 76TH STREET ;
ae —— SOUTH CHIN
|* CHICAGO £1) P10 570 BH ie |
ee 1910 STATIC =. |
| } Mr. Virdil M. Brand,
“556 Hlston Ave.,
Chicago, Ill.
Latest reported usage of South Chicago Station C dial postmark.
West End Station, Bridgeport, CT.
Leased Machines — C Postmarks
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — C Postmarks
One unusual usage for the C dial postmarks was in Pittsburg, PA as a dial-only transit marking.
Pittsburg used a C dial containing the designation TRANSIT from March 1909 until Jan. 1910.
This is the only city known to have used a TRANSIT C dial.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
Starting late in 1909 the A dial type postmarks were re-introduced with a different killer design which moved the
diespace for the service letter to the bottom bar of the postmark. This was probably done to prevent the service
letter from printing directly on the stamp. These are classified as 104 killers. If needed, a diespace was also included
at the left of the center bar for a machine number, classified as a 105 killer. This killer design were the most common
of the TMM postmarks and were used right up to the end of the contract on June 30, 1913 and in some cases even
beyond the expiration of the contract.
Center bar cut for machine number
SOY —f%—— A-105 f MON .\. _ A
foo Time) g——— \ YEA R. oe - ee killer
STATE — G -
\ Bottom line cut for service
mark
Beyaz & Mexcssirs LAA Le Ns
\F NOT DELIVERED IN TEN DAYS RETURN TO
(RION BrotHeR. Y KANSAS CITY, MO.
MANUFACTURERS OF THE BREE
BARTON BROS: SHOES ARE THE BEST |
1909 Kansas City use of A-104 postmark.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
Fifteen cities besides Chicago received machines with the new postmark during the latter months of 1909.
1909 Postmark from Rock Island, IL
. dD. FINNIQ§,
: 828 J Street, SACRAMENTO, CAL, _
fet Str Oe ae,
aie Satria Sacramento, CA also received one of the early machines that used an A-104 postmark.
-=
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
While Chicago used A-105 type postmarks at all 25 of their numbered machines and several with letter designations,
examples are known with no machine numbers.
After 5 days, return to
AYER & LORD TIE CO.,
Incorporated,
Railway Exchange Bld.,
CHICAGO, ILL.
19 1-30PM
1910 dale
IN THREE DAYS EL TO
JA — \C 4a
WENDEL te nen - REAL ESTATE® ae 17 9-00PM)
OGDEN AVE & VAN BUREN St. CHICAGO 19] O
f LL. Le
Mr. Virgil M. Brand, Pres. e
Brand Brewing Co.,
#2530 Elston Ave.,
These A dial postmarks with no machine designation were used from Feb. 17 - 19. These are likely from a test.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
Shortly after the Feb. 17-19 test in Chicago, a test was run in Washington. D.C.. Examples are known from Feb. 23 through Feb. 28.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
When A postmarks were used at stations the name was incorporated in the killer.
SCIENTIFIC MATERIALS COMPANY; 717 FORBES STREET,
PITTSBURGH; Baa
Mr. M. Ts Jones, as
i 4 = < ™ fo Box 195, Lke-dlert (cir ert
Rast Orange, N, os
T n e
ie dn
a i l e t t
c a p e
ac it
al as
Pittsburg Uptown Station
REVEREND L, G. DORPAT a
: _ i .
WAYSIDE, WISCONSIN, 0, s, A. | | ||
| WAUES Ss eee | Ree tt ee eet ara Mn ° ]
| AS APR OS ; S LA CON ya Lf a) OT Se ee rei, SS 43aeM Se ye
sans 2 a 7 | 3 ss sy. | ud yO a pac a * a
Wo ie ;
oA < |
Milwaukee Station B and earliest reported use of Station C.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
Retura in 6 Daya |
Ghe Open a A_MAGAZINELET of
? Pabtished ae 11° UU
Pigeon-Roost-in-the+Waods * > Indiana ~ "+ ~ BRUCE CALVERT, Editor and Publisher
Pest Office Address _ {
Ghe OPEN ROAD GRIFFITH
Lake Co. > INDIANA
R. F. D. Ne. L
PIGEON-ROOST-IN-THE-WOODS
ARK Front of cover (reduced)
| =~ VAG
eles =a
| es Mt atish n | "a . a
While these machines usually worked well, occasionally a piece was damaged going through the machine. The cover going from
Chicago to Richmond, KY was damaged in the Chicago Time Marking Machine, sealed with a post office seal, and handstamped
“Damaged by Canceling Machine, MDT 2”
Time Marking Machine Co.
DIRECT FROM FACTORY TO WEARER.
LARGEST _ EXCLUSIVE RAINGOAT GONGRESS STREET
CHICAGO
Fifth Ave. and Congress Street
CHICAGO, ILL.
197
Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
TELEPHONE WABASH 1090 ~1091
12-6 -1913.
|
entirely upon
making your
eturers of raincoats in
ou Mr, Wearer,
re ¢ wo have soid We are now
ices.
le of very care- y vulcanized and
nt water-proof y neat English
Example of an A-105 postmark from Chicago machine #9 used to cancel a 1c Parcel Post Stamp, correctly used on a small parcel
enclosing a fabric sample, during the period when parcel post stamps could not be used for first class postage.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
i Form 204, Chicago.
\CA EMG,
27 9-O00PM
IF NOT DELIVERED IN 5 DAYS asruee
CHICAGO & EASTERN ILLINOIS R. R. CO.,
OFFICE OF LOCAL FREIGHT AGENT. 12TH AND CLARK STS. CHICAGO.
Chicago’s machine #17 initially used a C dial postmark with the external year through 1909. Later an A dial was introduced but the
old 114 type canceler, with an opening for the year, stayed in use giving rise to a mismatched dial and killer.
i9|3 See. | ‘
HEL
This combination was used into 1912 before giving way to the correct killer.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
Machines designated with letters rather than numbers were also used in Chicago A-105 type postmarks. These often ran
for short periods.
POSTS GARD Nothing be atldrass| on tthis s \ om ae q
=
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ACH oe
CITY OF CHICAGO, CS IN )
13 7-00 PM
1Oit* (LL.
Examples of machine ’X’ A-105 postmarks from 1909 and 1911. There are no known examples from 1910.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
RETURN IN 5 DAYS TO
P. O. BOX 23
CHICAGO [ODE
7 -11-DWM, XX \ 1910 /
—S
Vrigil M. Brand, Pres.,
Brand Brewing Co.,
City.
Personal.
RETURN IN FIVE DAYS
GEORGE BARRIE & SONS
807 FINE ARTS BLDG.
CHICAGO
1910 and 1911 postmarks from machine ‘XX’
Time Marking Machine Co.
Leased Machines - A Dials Revisited
pi sf f f f f
aA /, r Z J J. ¥- t Fi
Ad Ad 4
“L Tf
TOG S- KC a a. ‘Lat } é Can a
eee a ag “{F-) 4 Te é ARC A :
| Con , ‘{ : =
bap cA § THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR Lt ROOD RHESEONTY ls CORRESPONVENCE
2 (My Dear Flisabeth:- § I hops you aro very wel :
& Does ths trailing arbubus Miss Elisabeth Bateman,
= grow in the woods near you Ss -] wged to think it was thea Dudley,
=~ most beautiful of flowers. = ‘Come and soe me and [tr 8 Mass. 2 with you to the top of the g tall buildins-tI_am_soing
to see my lf? next week.
| Z lee, Sh, LPLO Sh 5 76
Various Chicago stations used A-104 postmarks (no machine number).
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - A Postmarks Revisited
There is.at least one unusual mis-spelling and a unusual Time Marking Machine Co. fake machine cancel.
(a cee las RaAnisnionilnne ve el UL) ae Te ts ee ae a eee "iy oor, a (ae
POST CAR = ae een ’
ae " —=_ Cc.
Wee lolloaie:
0 ata
BIE3BI Ontl-) SL)
Pr in
te d
in Ge
rr na
ny
(
Bi Dx,
| £ ‘ C ‘ ) ‘
| oe » . = e e y é i J iy : Le w e tf ct & a A ays bons x € A 2 sh GAL thf >» C4
| = Wo cA) = os . é a
t
oe \ = a — yw v q \
| a nee c : *
oe x oR A x + r Re! \ at a . Pies SN ™ \ A :
& oS Sh ar are Gd | L ) serie ne 7104. a |
The killer on this postmark mimics those found on TMM postmarks, particularly with regards to the diespace for the service letter.
This is believed to be a printed postmark rather than one impressed by a canceling machine or handstamp.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
The last postmark type introduced was similar to the early A dials but the dial was smaller diameter. These were introduced in late
1910 and also continued through the end of the contract on July 31, 1913. These were used in 59 cities and on 27 machines in
Chicago.
Machine Number
D-104 without
machine no. 7 Horizontal
D-105 with Bar Killer
machine no.
Service Letter
ERU of Muncie D-104 postmark .
Time Marking Machine Co. | Leased Machines - D Postmarks
The D postmark is also found with a working clock but it is much less common to find an example than with other
postmark types. In a database of 2868 recorded examples of D postmarks (either in my collection or recorded from other
sources) there are only 10 reports of working clocks.
City Examples Working | Examples Recorded Remarks
Ottumwa, IA 1 7 14.3%,
Muncie, IN 3 17 17.6%, working in mid Nov, 1912
Ann Arbor, MI 1 11 9%
Bay City, MI 1 11 9%
Jackson, MI 1 10 10%, Earliest example working
Nashville, TN 2 14 14.3%
As discussed earlier, if the clock was working continuously 80% of the examples should end in a 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 or 9
indicating a working clock. It seems that these worked intermittently.
After 5 days, return to
WARNER GEAR CO., MUNCIE, IND.
\
Worton Co,
Warester, Mass,
Examples of D-104 postmarks with working clocks.
e e
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
aA Sree
417 7 30 PM
19\2 wash:
After 5 days, return to al ats are! . PINE STREET BRANCH, BANK OF a Res cent te IP | COMMERCE, ae NOV a Sty oot = | EVERETT, WASH. 15 6 30 Pit: ——
UNION AGENCY,
-MUSKOGEE, OKLA.
Fon. J.F. Parks»,
: County Judge,
| Tahlequah, Oklshoma. —
q - - . “ 7 he a me ees ie
D dial postmarks were used at 51 different large and medium sized towns throughout the United States.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
When used at stations, the station name was inserted into the killer bars.
T h e
De tr
oi t
N e w s
C o m p a n y ,
De tr oi t,
Mi ch .
Be at, f GS ; oe os lal Lt bok” “of yy, Maw fewdlly
LS: JI age
- t ee ett 4 42_ ; : 2 eve oy ee ees Magy vrk |
a < alee a = lane DL Y |
2 i. mM Corte 1t ee .
Roi 7, aes ee |
Detroit Station C.
THIS ste FOR WRITING MESSAGES.
DO ACE)
a co
‘
14349
Toledo Central Station.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines
Toledo used one of two slogan TMM postmarks to advertise Perry’s Victory Centennial in 1913.
Used at Toledo’s main station.
.O
oy D o
q a q xy
s a
oy as a
whee ~/”
0 S “a
Long
e
eS G
¥
e @
tad NP A
Cae Rae
KOON 16 1230 PMy
- D Postmarks
not a service letter but
signifies Station C.
i|
ws. a ¢ Z | The ‘C’ in the killer is
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
Two cities in California used the other slogan cancel to advertise the upcoming World’s Pan-Pacific Exposition.
7 THIS SPACE FOR CORRESPONDENCE
' Ox
a ; 1
j
Ce
| PUBLISHED BY EDwW. H. MITCHELL, SAN FRANCIS \ ! Bakersfield, CA
SACRAMENTO LODGE NO. 6, B. P. 0. ELKS i, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNI i WORLD'S
pNANA™ PAG EXPOSITIONS
IN SAN FRANCISCO aS
F.A.Wieland,
528-66th St.
Oakland Cal.
Sacramento, CA with the date and time removed to cancel printed matter.
_——————— LL 2 <<“. . |
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
The first D postmark in Chicago appeared with an “L” lettered machine designation.
After 10 days, return to
W. H. SALISBURY & CO
166 & 168 Wabash
CHICAGO, ILIf
RETURN IN FIVE DAYS
GEORGE BARRIE & SONS
807 FINE ARTS BLDG.
CHICAGO
Machine ‘L’ with 1910 and 1911 postmark dials.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines — D Postmarks
ec PE ae Room 1021, Schiller Building CHICAGO, ILL. ACA
vee
30 8 CO PM) . 1910 ML
CO
Mr.Virgil M.Brand,
Elston Ave.& Snow St.,
Y Brand Brg.Co. Chicago,I11.
KonLuInc & KUAPPENBAOH .
BOOKSELLERS anv STATIONDRS
SPORTING GOODS
PHOTOGRAPHIO MATERIAL
169-171 ADAMS STREET, OHICAGO
“ We
- >) : | hf] ‘ is 7) y / *
A) fr (LZ. erg GO // AfAN4G
oo ef
; y
Cllr Clu — aI VCO
Chicago, Ill,
1910 and 1911 postmark dials from machine ‘V’.
Time Marking Machine Co.
; ~ ay ry
way, 01 SI -bol =—21 Qe
a wg { oe o
. : *) : s Susu! sy R USED FOR
IRRESPONDENCR
RETURN IN 10 DAYS TO
REMIEN & KUHNERT COMPANY /f: MFRS. & JOBBERS ( 9
WALL PAPER, PAINTS, VARNISHES, ETC
COR. WABASH AVE. & LAKE ST. \ i
GHICAGO, U. S. A. ae
Leased Machines - D Postmarks
Uetiacrf |
Set gee,
Machine ‘X’ with 1910 and 1911 dials.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
If not delivered in 5 days, return to
Cc. F. PIETSCH,
90 La Salle Street. - CHICAGO
Mr. Virgil Brand,
; 2530 Elston Avé.,
; Chicago,
tii. |
1910 postmark from machine W.
Postcard that went through both machines X and L.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
The D-105 postmarks were introduced to Chicago numbered machines in 1911. These were used on 12 machines in
Chicago in addition to the lettered machines already mentioned. They are known from machines 1-7, 14, 15, 16, 18 and
25. The remaining machines continued using the A-105 style postmarks.
ir or? HEs O
= ef2 thou a
= Pa perce rT <2 “The Leading Ee Co ompany of iis World:*
age NE AGS ———— ROYAL! ONUUN ae ae Ms 6 30 PM 13
thi) ——————
1913 . =
WESTERN DEPARTMENT NILE “
GEORGE W. LAW, MANAGER
CHICAGO, ILL.
VIRGIL STOCKON,sAGENT,
aA DRA SF A ar
GUILFORD S. WOOD,
‘206 Great Northern Bld.,
CHICAGO, ILL,
UY 44 oat x
|
é w e
\ Mes. Amanda A. Walker,
” i a | 7. if Kobe,
\ Japan. ’ } 4 ; :
ass ites Myx =
Examples of D-105 postmarks from Chicago.
Time Marking Machine Co. Leased Machines - D Postmarks
neeO PO SNCARD—YDE PA
Se
oe i
THIS SPACE FOR SEL: eae estate xo DRE Soy
4a
otro Ze
If not called for in 5 days, return to ae a Oe
4 Pu
b. C o .
C h i c a g o
WN GA Eye ee 3 :
JOHN N. YOUNG FG ECIO Ton ou a & : REAL ESTATE AGENT ix —— |. AKE VIE
ROOM 307 : OW i205 — ‘ ci
172 WASHINGTON STREET ———— eae 10
foun — REMOVERA® ; ee | No. 36 West Randolph Strest cae North East Corner Dearborn St.
‘
After Five Days Return td
HEATH & MILLIGAN MFG. co.
1833-1837 Seward Street, 9 12.00 Mi
CHICAGO, ILL. \
IF NOT DELIVERED IN FIVE DAYS RETURN TO -
HERMAN H. HETTLER LUMBER C OFFICE AND YARD
2601 ELSTON AVE., near DIVERSEY AVE.) 15 9 00 PM CHICAGO, ILL,
Mr. Virgil M. Brand,
ho Blston & Snow St.,
Chicago, Ill.
Many Chicago Stations used the D dial postmarks.
Examples from Hyde Park, Lake View, Pilsen, and Kinzie Stations.
B. F. Cummins Co. Early Postal Business
The USPOD possessed numerous Doremus machines which were not performing satisfactorily. The Time Marking
Machine co was awarded a contract to rebuild these machines. The contract to rebuild these machines was granted
based on a request by B. F. Cummins and was not offered to any competitor.
The rebuilding was actually done by the B. F. Cummins Co. Twenty two machines were re-built starting in 1910 and continuing into 1911. These were of course neither TMM Co machines nor BFC Co. machines but do represent the first
business the BFC Co. achieved with the USPOD.
There was considerable controversy whether the machines were even improved after being rebuilt and whether the
USPOD machinists could have done the work better and perhaps cheaper. Doremus postmark from Rochester, MN.
TAG 1d © AUSTIN Le TA TON
Gti
(Ris SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY ))
) 274 0, Wf. “a
VLA, 4. jf. €4et FACE
4 I
The Rochester Doremus machine was rebuilt and installed in Austin Station, Chicago.
B. F. Cummins Co.
>
o u t
c €
oO K A
x)
3.
Pu bl .
by
F r a n k l i n
Po st
Ca rd
Co .,
Ch ic ag o,
Il ,
No .
8
:
or = Ty aaa = | THIS SPACE FOR WRITING messad@ AGO
ON 2
| iS NAR I5
| | 1) o>" PM Fe. ih
: P =
= THIS SPACE FORADDRESS ONLY g 8 Q
rx e
EA
/ 8 ) é :
Z ay ff oe & \ Lf Att CHe Ata) 2 i lf eae A : \ ( ey ee eg A “ \ Ae fe Ae /
a ,
b=
> : 5 1
~“vn-Lga ( - eG aA -
co } CHICAGO. =» seis oe fo oe \ = =
Two of the more desirable postmarks from rebuilt Doremus machines are those from machines installed in Chicago’s Cottage
Grove Avenue, RPO trolley. Both Cars #1 and Car #2 used these rebuilt Doremus machines.
B. F. Cummins Co. Early Postal Business
As early as 1905 the BFC Co. was developing sorting tables to improve the efficiency of facing the mail (arranging the
covers with the stamps oriented identically). These tables were staffed with six clerks who were able to keep a fast
canceling machine operating. These tables were sold to the USPOD at $7500 apiece and represented a significant
business for the BFC Co.
The records of the Congressional Investigation include quite a bit of testimony about these facing tables. Some
postmasters felt they improved efficiency by as much as 33% and wanted more tables as soon as they were available.
Other postmasters thought they weren’t any better than a regular table and had no need for one.
On Feb. 20, 1911, J. T. Lynch and G. E. Bolton filed for a U. S. Patent on a “Combined Pick-up Table and Canceling
Machine”. Both inventors were employees of the USPOD but the patent was assigned to the BFC Co. The postcard
below bears a postmark from a machine having similarities to some of the TMM Co postmarks (day and time on the
same line) and bears a strong resemblance to some of the BFC postmarks which were introduced later in 1911.
Ee icf OM, pp 409.—The International Bureau of Amer- '
. ican Republics is maintained by the twenty-
one American Republics, including the United
States, for the development of Pan-American
commerce, friendship and peace. The build-
. ing, completed in September, 1909, cost -
$1,000,000. j ;
(B, S. Reynolds Co., Washington, D. C.)
Reg Morris, an expert in machine cancel design, felt that this was likely from the test of the facing table/canceling
machine combination held shortly after the patent was filed (letter behind this page). He felt this postmark was
made by the type of TMM Co. machine which printed the D type postmarks and that the clock and bellows
which actuated the clock had been removed leaving had only the rotating dials to signify the time and date.
Unfortunately in this example it is impossible to know the exact date of the postmark although it appears to be
from March, 1911.
In the Congressional Investigation proceedings (p. 278) a letter was discussed from Feb. 6, 1911 in which C. P.
Grandfield, First Assistant Postmaster General, instructs the postmaster of Chicago to instruct Mr. Lynch to
proceed to Washington as early as convenient to demonstrate the new B. F. Cummins pick-up table. It seems
likely that this card from their combination table was postmarked during this test. If so, it is the only reported
mail piece known to have been postmarked by the canceling machine modified to be attached to this table.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
The years 1911 and 1912 were very busy for the BFC Co. The post office department first requested bids be submitted by Oct. 31, 1911
for high, medium and low speed machines for the contract starting July 1, 1913. Cummins wanted to expand his business with this
contract and began developing new machines based on improved technology. His plan included:
o Sale of low speed, hand-powered machines directly to postmasters.
o Development of new high and medium speed machines based on new technology.
o Sale of machines directly to the post office. (This bypassed the bidding system and may have resulted from B. F.
Cummins influence with the USPOD based on his brother Senator Albert Cummins of lowa.)
Postmarks from the new hand powered BFC Co machines started to appear in 1911. These were based on patents by Rehak and
Madigan, postal clerks who assigned their patents to the BFC Co., and differed significantly from the earlier TMM technology.
These were sold to postmasters of small offices and may have been purchased to simplify the job of postmarking mail. It is also thought
that some postmasters wanted to provide their town the distinction of having a postmarking machine. These early machines made a
variety of distinctive postmarks. Most had straight line killers but some featured oval dials, flags, wavy killers. There were even a few
slogan cancels. These hand-cranked machines were a large portion of Cummins business with over 700 different towns having used
them.
In addition to obtaining business in the US, B. F. Cummins was also interested in International opportunities. Examples are known from
various countries including Panama, Honduras, and Sweden. Machines were also used in the Canal Zone.
G-121
—$__——__—_ Ce ee ee 7 Horizontal Lines
Month, Day, Time in dial
Year in killer
i oy
E S
T e t a .
6 5 .
We
Q \
S e n a ,
G y k o e a
V B T O
Be ko
d u
“ P H O S T I N T ”
C A R D .
TR AD E
MA RK
- RE G.
U.
S. PA
T.
OF F.
Y Q e
Wa g e e ae iE i
THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR MESSAGE, THIS SPACE FOR THE ADDRESS,
The first known BFC postmarks are from Mackinac Island, MI in July 1911. The second name of the town (Island) has been moved
to the bottom of the dial below the state, this is known as a Gb postmark.
Tests of new postmarking machines were often run in a convenient post office. Mackinac Island is a popular vacation spot and it ts
possible that tests were run there while either B. F. Cummins or one of his employees was vacationing.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
After the initial introduction at Mackinac Island additional machines impressing a G style dial were used at seventeen
different small towns throughout the United States. All were introduced in 1911.
ed ——-—_—_-— a aeemnaneeaea Sa . -- —_—_— - -
+
RICHLAND CENTER, WIS.| AUC223.0P/D1)
VV S 5
CENT ey
heat Gade fh Wr ieee
W mend We
= = Pee | ( Saree 6a. . |
4
ERU from Richland Center, WI.
Towns with shorter names were able to use a G postmark, the state now moved to the bottom of the dial.
ERU from Spring Grove, PA used as a receiving mark on a postcard from Italy.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
ASTON GS Mies — |
Keer Ae "ESR yee ae | DECIO | xPi9/2 }
wae
(THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY))
Example from Keystone, IA.
a en ear nat et Rf U0
I “OST CARD | ae i
ne
THIS SPACE FOR WEATERIUON,
Vv S
PLL Beall, | mosa 2)
Po a ao!
; hei pe om |
Gedo Of | MAEM Met ____
oe Ad ype zene Bo PENAL TPRTTERSON
ao x Zot ERS MATER ee a
the ee, Ae! To f Ya
Ghee mutlin Aatege deLabare LETT SEE RGM fg Some of these machines had extended lives.
This one in Zelienople, PA was still being used in 1924.
B. F. Cummins Co.
s a p
| 17 1
P U B L I S H E D
BY HA WA I! AN D
S O U T H
SE AS
CU RI O
CO .,
H O N O L U L U .
Mark Twain called the Cocoanut tree ‘A feather duster struck by lightning.’ But their waving branches give a tinge of color to the horizon and fills a place in the foliage of Hawaii that no other tree could. Beautiful groves of Cocognuts fringe the many lagoons of the Islands and the music of the wind among the Jeaves lulls the listener to a love of fair Hawaii.
Wudins syn ADL
Bm hee
Ney ote,
2.84 WW
a f Sox ' Aho Sk
Wp {)
A-14530
We wer
Min
Hand Powered Machines
| . ; ‘ |
Cates |
Machines were purchased by post offices as far as Hawaii as shown by this example from Lihue.
MAA, Oni
DECSOI2 ASTI
ayy p>
a s s e d
Lahaina, HI purchased a Model #2 and it was in use by 1911. As we will see later, this machine was later fitted with a flag cancel
die. This is the only reported example with the island name, MAUL, in the killer bars. There are no other G style postmarks with
any text in the killer portion of the postmark.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
Soon after the introduction of the first BFC Co. machines, a new dial began to appear with the year at the bottom of the dial, classed as an E-121 postmark. These were introduced in 7 towns, again all in 1911.
E-121
fi & O Wy 7 —=— -
Month, Day, Time —— aia ee
in Center of Dial ~~g _\ —= ~~ — ara aa 7Harizantal
State above bottom MON DD TIME —— ———— Lines
Year at Bottom / —_———— re
ST / — 7 ee
JEAN J Wet \
AUC 47 P ee 9 1A
ZRRETIEN = 2 4 ie? ZN
\ Tae 1c th ee _ j
. NE : 1915
ERU and LRU of E-121 postmarks from Meredith, NH
B. F. Cummins Co. ~~ Hand Powered Machines
THIS SPACE FOR CORRESPONDENCE
oe Lomi ai cn, Alene 1A A ak, Hor
Vipk Lard, LL 2 ce, AOU ig BAD
(‘ie ho te pre
J EDWARD H MITCHELL, PUBLISHER idan
THIS SPACE FOR AD bree
oa Be “|
ERU from Sparks, NV.
LRU from Newton, NC
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
The F style postmarks followed soon after the E postmarks. These reverted to some of the design of the early C dial
postmarks with the year inserted in a gap in the left side of the center killer bar.
F -131
(OWy~ Month, Day, Time in ,
Center of Dial “>| MON DD TIME
Nate
— - ete 7 Horizontal Lines
‘EAR ; ee Center Line Cut at
a Sse — Left for Year
PO NLU YS ‘G!
| DEC26 | PM
MIA /
nae 7‘ US
F-131 from Grayling, MI.
B. F. Cummins Co.
vy
y
Pr in te d
in Ge
rm an
y. ..
\
! oN | 8) Series 7006:
Hand Powered Machines
Poe EN Pes ?
(, ee st DEC20 10 A
“Mo.
Wg, Cee ea (<-ce Ox «x ;
ERU of F-131 postmark from Greenfield, MO
fol [a ‘ a LL S|
= FOR CORRES FOR ADDRESS ONLY
F-131 postmark ERU from Sullivan, IL
\
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
ff KAS af Ms
fo “4, f \
Be | MARI2 2 PM \ 1
\
‘ Ar ae SSS se
ALAA mM a 7 7 _
From : :
M M,Sayre. EQNCNT Op
Silverton
Oregon. | ocT17 33P} I915
CkEG OS
After 5 days, return to
Treasurer,
SAUNDERS COTTON MILLS,
Lock Drawer A,
WHITINSVILLB, MASS.
19\7.
Norton Co., Worcester, Mass.
After 5 days return to THE BEACON FALLS RUBBER SHOE CO.
BEACON FALLS, New Haven Co., CONN, ||
The F style postmark would go on to be used in over 600 towns.
B. F. Cummins Co.
‘After 5 days, return to MOUNT HOPH FINISHING CO.,
P. O. Box 242, NORTH DIGHTON, MASS.
et ae After 5 days, return to
J. K&. PLATT & BRO.,
136 Main Street, \ PORT JEFFERSON, N. Y.
Hand Powered Machines
pore
(8 | QUN15 7 AM
ae ; oN. Sy = SEE RD
FMIGIMSD \ = Poe oa
:
{Er On Oo AM
arent oe sei aU Art
| | ase | THIS SPACE FOR WRIT ee MESSAGES |
P??._G——
xe. ALI |
Ip
Cf ae eee
Zee fp we ten, hex
|
| : Hf! | a he OD t°C2 oy ttt i
| ; f f-- 0 , c aaa | ~ Mito + Li -g2g ¢ Cee g of H C= 1 LZ, I J jp THIS SPACE FOR ADDRESS ONLY
| Et IY A. oo Lethe l—rp e Z . fy
a / pe fz | A. AL, = BpArAc ce, Any q 3 =, ( Z ae) ZAM »|
> s f Le 0
cone Woh Lp thy, ete ecko, ; Jfeto fete 7) Sele “4 caf I
MAR) CAfiy ay Lied) {
fteliite, es Wg by : ye i tl (AL, boar. a 4G und et te AACE BE.
a p= feo Ff W b / 2 Logi q. Zot Jte7 Cfitg 2 ~-A€ 142-9 _ Wy ia) ( A J)
(GEL SE ee DQ Nes fl 4D? tA a t-te. Ath _y ay” fiw ffl
pees fe / aes ee T. y tp cx 4 ie , |
(17g, LAL4 yey Ws hy rips \ ( Z Ba f t2He e poe er Grae ORE :
*d
Four different subtypes exist for the F dials used in towns with two word names. The first word is always at the top of the dial.
Fa- Second name below first at top of dial (79 towns) Fb- Second name at bottom of dial (10 towns}
Fe- Second name at bottom of dial above state (3 towns)
Fd- Station name at bottom of dial (1 town)
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
| “o>
i | | SDE bu els
Wen 2 “doo Cals QAO al ai A Ervrnk< hey hao
OME Lette aes il lqnrp nna)!
M a d e
th
FOR CORRESPONDENCE
Cy . 4 Nee x af
een Reel OF Bo ire Claws Stomp: |
a Ss
LEONA | & ‘os NS :
| Jav2a 2up}) tHS
ir , ’ | is No | (THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR aobRESS a, oo a
‘ \ | Ses |
\f pag 3 ph } a
as i | — ae ATEN cis, At on yy a
0 IVA After 10 days, return to Jer sf
FARMERS NATIONAL BANK, . SIDNEY, MONTANA. APRRO 1PM
Spencer State Bank,
Spencer, Wis. ee
Only reported examples from Morton, PA, Potter Place, NH, Peotone, IL, and Sidney, MT.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
The removable year die in the killer bars gave rise to various errors made when setting up the machines.
JSON) ov 7,
Leonard Tox,
2le Idnooln Ave,,
Shawnee ,
Okla,
F-131 from Glastonbury, CT with inverted year.
HOWARD M. LEWIS,
PLENTYWOOD, MONTANA.
state Publishing Company,
Helena, Montanae.
Omitted year from Plentywood, MT.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
The BFC Co. machines never had a working clock but did have mechanisms by which the date and time could be rotated
into position. This is different from many of the machines which had removable slugs which were inserted into the
machine for the date and time.
LEIPZIG BERLIN
NEW YORK:
PRINTED IN THE UNIT!
Highlands, NJ F-131 postmark with the rotating dials causing the date and time to print above and below the dial centerline.
Note that the A and the M of PM appear to individually movable.
AN a De Gr NS EY 1 eS eee = = fe CN
octaz 5 AM) “13 ————— racy eee ones
R. F. D. No. 2 . Ponce Ete
TUMWATER, WASHINGTON
Mr. R.P.Martin,
7 925 Pacifie Ave.,
_GPacific Coast S.5.Co.
Tacoma, Wash.
Here the dials were rotated forming a straight line but the date reads Oct. 32.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
One of the positions in the rotation of the date must have been a raised surface which printed as a solid rectangle.
After 10 days, return to
fo» PS if Sy con)
OX.) . 000s .
UNIONVILLE, CONN. \ aprie 1030p 1912 :
: i ee
Mess nerten imery Wheel Co
Worcester late
a ANGI ™ Vie Eth ‘i
elel [coro agua |
\, oe AS / i |
a NOON
fe ce KIN) 2\ ne < E
—* oe f auc m0 19/2 — a
: 4 LAL fis os — :
3 ee A aA ARMac’ 7 a
a’ 2 g f
" ) , After five days, return to -
TA pe BENTON-SHINGLER COMPANY, sie —
i ao | DONALSONVILLE, GA. ta = rT IS\7 s\—4 Sry e772 Ss yn "2074p ae le ;
at? ied 4 7
: otk f
eu Ss é :
prrere fr” f f
he F°=| c [ 7
Messrs. J. D. Weed & Co.,
savannah, Ga. |
Unionville, CT, Donaldsonville, GA and Mackinac Island, MI with rectangular bars in place of the first digit of the date.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
WM. F. MAYO COMPANY,
286 to 290 Summer St.
oa : i
EMPIRE LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE CO.
. EMPIRE LIFE BUILDING
215 E. NEW YORK STREET
A. F. G. GEMMER INDIANAPOLIS, IND. — Treasurer
K ERS EY, DY MARI4 3=P
Serifed 1947.
LY ENVELOPE ARY IF MAILED IN U.S.A.
The dial in Farmersbug, IN was changed as shown by these examples from 1916 and 1938, easily noticed in the size of IND.
The second dial continued into the 1940’s when it was used with a serifed year.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
From Leauizeg: Aen
ee ig SED
DIME HOUND KENNELS, INC. F. M. SARVER, Mgr.
HERRICK,
(Shelby County)
ILLINOIS.
Meredosia, IL used a BEC Co. F-131 postmark into the 1930's and the killer appears to have been a rubber replacement.
By 1935 it appears they had problems getting a new year slug and the year in this example has a very large font.
- B. F. Cummins Co.
%. + > ae - = =
; 2: oS <7 SY
° : 5 C4
egg) 5 3 = +
& ee : 2 oe <
fi 2 HO < c
eo - a jy = €
PO ——<—S
ae wp | 5 ~ _ J |
A = 2 | \
Aas 5 = oO > ‘S
a \ a 1 i= 4 ~ .
it 2? 3S | ae 1 | oe 2 |
ak ve | 5 ‘
a) 23 6 | ae 3)
3 | J « 3 4 i
= |
| | }
)
= a ad f |] ( / me ) «+ ty ae
We f Fett Pie ee f
4 ; f- A 7
7 Ld Sf; LA ZZ 4 “| ce 5 Ay - Ly eel \ J Le’ C41 2 e271 ofl % . :
_ 3 1S Saar
3 / YY ' f A-ha : ,
2 UkSfhnew ,
THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR MESSAGE. THIS SPACE FOR THE ADDRESS =
| SS ———_—_—_ ==: oS ee ee pS Se SS ee SM VRAIS Gyr sgt —.
OHR9 5 Md g92 -cARD—
peep etic amir
Hand Powered Machines
PERRYS Vie
— CENTENN §
PUT ar a4 This side mos ae en
“PHOSTINT’ ue WAOE MARK ACG U 5 PAT OFF
MADE ONLY BY DETROIT PUBLISHING CO
5 AM
SY pres | NOHIO~ = OHIO — 1913
eat hep Qh
A slogan cancel based on the F-131 postmarks was used in Put In Bay, OH to commemorate Perry’s Victory Centennial. The
Centennial was held from July 4 through Sept. 10, 1913, postmarks are known both before and after the celebration. Postmarks are
(les
Ee
rr
M A D E
IN U . S . A
tweet
° A Z ¥/, O {
| ele frre rn AAPM Zz
& ‘q . , | 2. 7 f | a J f Va J
pf Let z “ otta we, | a ft p 4 } ra ‘ f Ay
| tte, pe Pee | pw
Fike ge Ae oneal
| - yy Of A4 t f | tA poe” :
> a a a x B a6 o = a a Zz = ° e ° ae o
THIS SPACE FOR WRITING MESSAGES
Lier I cA Gir.
aa WLC 1 ake
= ( .
CAT ne {aA
only reported from the summer vacation season.
a
R-36760 see aS ee | Following the centennial the killer was replaced with a standard 131 killer and used until 1925.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
With few exceptions the B. F. Cummins (and the TMM Co. ) machines applied a killer made up of horizontal lines. Two
postmarks with wavy lines are known.
Hammond, LA used the only F type postmark with wavy bars, a 132 killer. This killer still had a diespace for the year.
Examples are known from 3 months in 1917. This is the latest reported use. ,
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
The American Postal Supply Co. had found great success at this time with their flag cancels. Two flag cancels were used on Cummins machines, called a 201 killer.
After 5 days, return to Sb Ly 9 ie La Yan
\;ERBES 1LAM
LEESBURG, Lake Co., FLA.
i neiteg i \ i AMAA? tHECSOI2 ASH |
After. a) hae ateiees days, return to aN deen, 86 ~ 7 ;
4 -
-» ARTHUR. -WAAD®.....00cccccreeey DEC 22 BP ? LAHAINA, HAWAII.
“4, nS
Mi IS s E MM A N.E UM AN N
HON OL 0 & U-
1929 KALAKAUA AVENUE. : OAHU.
F-201 from Lahaina, HI. The scan shows the dial portion of the cover shown earlier from Lahaina having MAUI in the killer bars.
The dials in both postmarks are identical.
B. F. Cummins Co. Hand Powered Machines
Several towns were also known to use a distinctive oval ‘H dial’ postmark with these 131 type killers.
—— r
=i Lake Mokonk Mountain House ASONK LS ee Al? |
Daniel Smiley, Aropriefor 4Ey\ Se £> ’
Mohonk Lake, Ulster County, N.Y. eS ~ : a iz 2 i= ss 2
\ @cT 264¢./ [9iG ————— == “|
Mohonk Lake, NY H-131
~ aN e , Fe £ C7 Peas ot
> >
Stevensville, NY H-131 postmark
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
The contract to lease the TMM machines was set to expire on June 30, 1913 and the BFC Co wanted to be in a position to obtain much
more business. B. F. Cummins himself had suggested that bids for that contract be opened before Jan. 1912 so companies would be
able to build the machines needed to fulfill any successful bids. Bids were requested for high, medium, and low speed machines to be
submitted by Oct. 31, 1911. At this time the BFC Co. had only the TMM Co technology suitable for high speed applications.
Rather than submitting a bid for high, medium and low speed machines by the October 31, 1911 deadline, Cummins submitted a
single price to meet all of the USPOD’s needs. This bid was accompanied by a ‘secret letter’ which detailed the prices for each
machine category. Competitors complained that the bid did not qualify and should be dismissed. However, the bid was the lowest
received and the USPOD did not want to dismiss it. A legal review by the Assistant Attorney General was begun.
Continued testing with TMM machines started the efforts directed towards winning this contract.
ERU of un-numbered Chicago D-104 postmark. Chicago, at this time was using 25, numbered machines at the main post office.
This machine was used for four days. It was then reused sporadically until Jan. 3, 1912. This was believed to be an experimental
usage.
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
Later in November another D-104 postmark appears. This had a different dial than the earlier use. Examples are known through Dec.
30, 1911.
RETURN IN 10 DAYS TO
REMIEN & KUHNERT COMPANY AAGAS
MFRS. & JOBBERS JO NOV Oo
WALL PAPER, PAINTS, VARNISHES, Emc; 45 1 00 PM
COR. WABASH AVE. & LAKE ST.
GHICAGO, U.S.A. eg ER SIRE Gg Tg RI pia ce i pee an
After 5 days, return to
THE PIANO & ORGAN SUPPLY CO.,,
2100-2188 Racine Avenue,
CHICAGO, ILL.
Norton Company,
Worcester,
Mass.
Three examples of a Chicago D-104 postmark used from Nov. 15 through Dec. 23, 1911.
Note the smudge mark towards the left end of the killer between the third and fourth bars. Also note how the bottom killer bar
“bisects’ the C service letter, normally it passes through the top half of the C.
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
While testing continued on the old TMM Co. technology the BFC Co. was working to develop new high speed machines capable of
fulfilling the requirements of the contract which was to start July 1, 1913. The BFC Co. was working on new technology to compete
for this contract. No decision had yet been made on the unusual bids opened on Oct. 31, 1911.
These machines were based on patents by Patrick J. Madigan and James Rehak. Despite the fact that Mr. Madigan was head
machinist in the Chicago Post Office, the patents were assigned to the BFC Co. On Nov. 4, 1911, Dr. C. P. Grandfield, 3" assistant
postmaster general, gave the BFC Co approval to run ‘secret’ tests of their new machines in Chicago. Later he approved tests of
additional machines.
J Dial /4 OW; = Oo Postmark “ oe a — a — 7 Horizontal
Me ——— —— a = ' Bar Killer
YEAR ——— ———
Only TMM or BEC dial ~” Spark ae aa = a
with day and time on A\e - —
different lines.
First test of the new BFC Co. postmarking machine. Examples are known from Nov. 14-16.
B. F. Cummins Co.
Only reported example from
a later test on Nov. 27, 1911 using
the same dial used on Nov. 15.
2 2 6 3
AE 2 ) .
(S e)
aN Pek te
FOR WRITING
THIS SIDE FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY
Bidding for 1913 Contract
ss s~ is} 5S Sy ye 2 mS NS IY \ S >
SAAS \ << a . oh ‘\ i
Ne ee a
& “ * : }
| y= Whe S SR ‘ 7 — Ve,
| Ss) \ WW ,
ln Se ORS RS — \ pas Awa Bee
<x : \ yoo ee " ys My “
ef a ey K J er
Ros nn ee
“tA PO ) | by oC Tha Qe
f) LA FU XO ‘
y
Two different postmarks
probably from different machines.
Dials can most easily be distinguished by
the width of ILL.’, which is 8 mm on
topexample and 9 mm on Bottom.
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
On Jan. 20 a letter was sent to each company which had tendered a bid on the Oct. 15, 1911 deadline asking them to send their
machines to Washington D.C. for testing by the machine cancel committee. One reason for these tests was to determine if the BFC Co
had a satisfactory machine. Some unusual TMM Co postmarks are known which make their appearance on Jan. 20, perhaps B.F.
Cummins had some inside information on this new request and was able to get a head start on the tests.
ZEAING SA BL
147 8 30 PM \
\9\2 \ 1912 (THIS SIDE OF CARD 1S FOR ADDRESS
CHRISTIAN FINANCE ASSOCIATION
170 Broadway
New York City |
Gen. John H. Brown,
Concord,
‘ N. H.
% ee
Examples from Jan. 17 and 19, 1912 of a D-104 postmark which has what appears to be the same ‘smudge’ in the killer between the
34 and 4 bar. The bottom bar also bisects the C service letter similar to the Chicago machines used at the end of 1911. The dial
does not match any of the machines which were in regular service. Apparently the machine which was last used in Chicago on
Dec. 30, 1911 was shipped to Washington for these tests.
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
One of the machines sent by the BFC Co. to Washington D. C. in answer to the Jan. 20 letter was their Model #2 which had been sold
to postmasters of small towns starting in 1911 (this machine impressed the E, F, G and H type postmarks.
Only reported example of a F-131 postmark from Washington D. C. from a ‘preliminary’ test.
These were not included in the bidding for 1913 but the Canceling Machine hearings(on p. 608) documents this exchange between Mr. McCoy
(appointed a committee of one to investigate the canceling-machine contracts with the Post Office Department) and Mr. Bushnell (Chairman of the
canceling machine committee charged with testing machines and making recommendations).
Mr. McCoy: Now, then, please describe this No. 2 Cummins machine. In the first place, what type of machine is it?
Mr. Bushnell. It was a small machine intended to ooperate either by hand or electric power. It is a machine which the Cummins Co. designed to sell
to postmasters.
Mr. McCoy. Was it one of the machines on which they bid later? Mr. Bushnell. No sir. Mr. McCoy. They did not bid on it at either time? Mr. Bushnell. No sir.
Mr. McCoy. It was not tested in Washington?
Mr. Bushnell. It was here and was given a preliminary test, as all machines are, but not as a part of the bid. It was simply there in the
Washington office along with the other machines.
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
Tests on the new BFC Co. machines continued in Chicago as there were frequent changes in the postmarks and dials probably as a
result of improvements in the machine.
Some of these machines used killers with no machine numbers but can be distinguished by the length of the left portion of the 4” bar
in the cancel.
Others had a diespace for the machine number in the killer. These killers can be identified by the length of the left segment of the 4”
and 6" bars. .
If not delivered return to aN GA aS
e 9 o ul np te > ll OMAR TSO
Co 1er §S | 6- PM | THE NATIONAL WEEKLY Ny iSi2 /
301-7 PLYMOUTH BUILDING <— fL\ noes I Ne
CHICAGO, ILL.
532
Machine #2, Mar. 19, 1912. Examples known from Mar. 12 thru April 6, 1912.
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
— a - —— sees iS .
pen tte FOR CORRESPONDENCE) gj 9) FORAABDRESS ONLY Oy ‘
—_—_-- ae a : rr — —_—_—_ aa | a,
t
1 Daa, 4 * SS x /
Aes G hy) e"D
Pima! ) 9) Bos —
M A D E
I N U.
S.
vars. j ~ After painting by Harold Betts. | 10-30 j
The Mystic Maze was constructed yy they D :
Mojave Indians many years ago and is\asso; r
ciated with and forms a part of their reli souk ! ie
beliefs. The doctrine is that the souls of the departed members of the tribe enter the Maze and wander through it in search of the happy hunting grounds; the good souls succeed in solving the riddle and reach the goal; those other souls wander aimlessly and endlessly, and
are at the mercy of the Evil One.
MA DE
ON LY
BY DE TR CI T
PU BL IS HI NG
CO .
8), 357
“ P H O S T I N T ”
C A R D .
TR AD E
MA RK
-
RE G.
U.
S. PA
T. OF F.
LAA |
¥ o e
dee
ss
: THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR MESSAGE. . THIS SPACE FOR THE ADDRESS. au
“
Tests continued in April of 1912. Numberless tests on April 6 and April 25. Both the dials and the killer are slightly different.
Note the width of the ILL. The top example is wide while the bottom is narrower.
Machine #1 with blank diespace for service letter used in early April 1912.
B. F. Cummins Co. Tests for 1913 Contract
Apparently a second TMM Co machine was also included in the tests which also impressed a D-104 postmark.
(eo
( e e
oh > [Radanee Canna Corry, Wie pl j \ 3.4.°\ “inn A,
A. C.
Bo ss el ma n
& Co .,
Ne w
Yo rk .
|
v 1
f l
;
;
vO
fr
a = ‘ es |
D-104 postmark from test machine in Washington D.C. on Jan. 18, 1912. Note that the bottom killer bar on this postmark does not
bisect the C but rather intersects about a third of the way down. The dial is also slightly different from the previous examples from
Washington. This is particularly noticeable by the shape of the G in Washington.
Despite these tests the TMM Co machines were not included in the BFC Co bids for the 1913 contract.
B. F. Cummins Co. Bidding for 1913 Contract
Later in April, 1912 two very distinctive postmarks were applied as part of these tests. The only other wavy line
BFC Co. killer was used in Hammond, La.
s 7 SES oye
_ W. F. McLAUGHLIN & CO.,_ CHICAGO
| a | Vi | |
a 4 =e re ‘ins 4
(@HIS SIDE OF CARD 1S FOR ADORESS ONLY).
Bg TOS Vcetory Soe
hlemectety 7G April 15, 1912 and April 20, 1912. Two of the three known examples.
Ve
In the middle of the controversial bidding process for the 1913 contract, on April 27, 1912, Mr. Cummins suggested
that the post office purchase 50 or 60 of the recently developed Model #11 motor operated postmarking machines.
Perhaps because of the influence of his brother, Senator Albert Cummins, or perhaps to keep the lowest bidder in the
competition for the upcoming contract the machine cancel committee recommended that this suggestion be adopted
and on June 18, 1912 the post office purchased 55 of these machines without requesting competitive bids from the
other machine cancel suppliers. Again this caused a protest from the competition.
B. F.Cummins Co. | Tests for 1913 Contract
|
After 5 days, return to
AUSTIN STATE BANE,
Austin Sta.,
CHICAGO, ILL, eo ae. RTS
AUSTIN(RBAT ems
a
5724 W.Ohio Street,
Austin Station.
Mr,J.0.Boice, |
Care W.R.Coates.
Some of the first machines were installed in October 1912 in Chicago stations.
The postmarks featured a J dial. When placed at stations the name replaced the center killer bar.
B. F. Cummins Co.
OP NOT DELIVERED IM PIVE DAY® RETURN TO
55 Machine Purchases
HERMAN H. HETTLER LUMBER Co. OFFICE AND YARD
2601 ELSTON AVE. NEAR DIVERSEY AVE. CHICAGO, ILL, i
Logan Square Station, Oct. 28, 1912
ERU from Wicker Park Station, Nov. 22, 1912
CHICAGO, ILL.
B. F. Cummins Co. 55 Machine Purchases
RETURN IN S DAYS TO
‘ARSimaSner 00) = SANGAMON AND PRATT STS. 629° 4 } 2 DEI Ap le
Carpenter Street Station, March 24, 1914.
meena tea
meme SS rer aE
LaNbuemDs Bon (SS w CHICAGO. ee CARPENT STATION
: 5 ea
1642 W. DIVISION STREET NG, ie
CHICAGO, ILL. ——
V. Brand,
2530 Blston Av.,
CHICAGO, ILL.
Carpenter Street Station used with month, day and time slugs removed to apply a cancel to printed matter.
B. F. Cummins Co.
ERU from Danville, KY
: PLACE POSTAGE;
e s
yat es
F r a n c i s c o .
S a n
o Oo oo & x o ~ 2
© Ay
& 8
B E o
a
d by
s A n g e l e s .
is he
} ? AB178 On the, Road of a Thousand Wonders.
P u b l
L o s
Pi
ERU from Hanford, CA.
55 Machine Purchases
B. F. Cummins Co. 55 Machine Purchases
(rns SIDE OF CARO IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY)
eB [Mele Iustibechion )
South Erie Station, in Erie, PA received one of the original 55 machines. Used with a typical cancel design from 1912 to early 1913.
RETURN IN FIVE DAYS TO
Road Supervisars of Millereek Cownahip 27
At 4p Leth, 8c ERIK, PA.
During July, August, and September 1913, the killer was changed to commemorate Perry’s Victory in the Battle of Lake Erie. The
original killer was returned to use by Dec. 1913.
B. F. Cummins Co. 55 Machine Purchases
After 5 days, return to
IBSERESSBANTO 2 PS Lo “Vie COLUMBUS, IND. Jee arr, ae
Columbus, IN received one of the original 55 machines and initially used a dial with a tall IND.
Later, by 1919, they changed the dial to one with a shorter and wider IND, probably due to damage of the early dial.
B. F. Cummins Co. 55 Machine Purchases
MA DE
ON
LY
BY DE TR OI T
PU BL IS HI NG
CO .
“ i °
i: im oa
cz. eu Or bo Zu t been ® ) ¢ L |
| Ox Of ) i
|
ne ‘ q- |
Syke L <
-
Z } 2 A yl, ‘ : ae |
> i | FF Yr — : / e i Dr ae | Ma ee | we 0 Cox = :
TINS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR MESSAGE, THIS SPACE FOR THE ADDRESS.
Washington, D.C., received one of the original machines, used at Station F.
It was later transferred to Exeter, NH where ‘Station F’ was removed from the killer leaving a space.
Later, a normal killer was installed.
B. F. Cummins Co. 55 Machine Purchases
Model #11 Machines within Their Use
60 Periods _ 3/21/1913 - 48
50 = - — - a a oS
40 - —f- = ——— — = a Sy
30
12/31/1920 _ 20 3
- First time
10 ol prea rr a ee ee
N u m b e r
of Op
er at
in g
M a c h i n e s
0 = <4 $$$
01/01/12 01/01/16 01/01/20 01/01/24
Date
55 Model #11 machines were purchased on June 18, 1912 and installation began in October of 1912. By looking at the ERU
and LRU for all of these machines we can calculate, for any given date, how many machines were in their known use
range. Looking at all the dates from 1912 through the entire run of these machines we can generate the graph above.
We see that the graph shows a double humped peak. Early in the life of these machines a maximum of 48 operating
machines was reached on March 21, 1913 which declined to only 39 machines by Aug. 1, 1913. Later the number of
operating machines grew to 53 by Dec. 31, 1915 and then slowly declined reaching zero for the first time on Dec. 31, 1920.
Beyond 1920 a small number of machines appear in new post offices.
THIS SPACE FOR WRITING MESSAGES. |
Ke rll / "4-1 PM ; ! ASIA. aS
) / { wt lz lL fone Heed i os we
J AS ; -
ba si a) | ; 4 THIS SPACE FOR ADDRESS ONLY.
| r 0 | IE
) 0
[Cire ill Yn alec a, } / | i
| pp V et | ‘ C A fe { KL a = g oo | Ct . 4 ; f? / ( oN
Cf ) Via = \Pa . ( ;
} j [/ ) LV J } 4 \) } \ 7 ; ) .
I hIW1AK | i yy me. ) > } / . 3 |
| <> ae é Av1o797 | Only reported example from Decatur, IL, Sept. 25, 1914. Decatur did not receive one of the initial 55 machines and must have
received this after the initial distribution.
As the killers have no distinguishing features there is no way to identify which machine this is from the postmark.
B. F. Cummins Co. 55 Machine Purchases
CHICAGO AVENUE STATION =
=
) Chicago Avenue Station, in Chicago, did not receive an original Model #11 machine.
This cover is the ERU from Oct. 7, 1913 and shows that by this time they had received a machine from another location.
Reged x5, BAILE Y i Sor
Dc orastneb \ 519% THE WORLD'S Bar AMUSEMENT INSTITUTION ~ hice
221 INSTITUTE PLACE, - CHICAGO, ILL.
Mr. B. NN. Austin,
ATM Baltimore & Ohio R, Rr.
Chicago, Illinbs,
Attention Mr.Lee. | ;
The LRU of the Chicago Avenue Station postmark, Mar. 21, 1919.
B. F. Cummins Co. 55 Machine Purchases
R. STRAFFORD-COLLINS
BRITTON AVENUE
ELMHURST, L. |.
MRsGEORGE W.CORWIN,
2408 CRESTON AVE., NEW YORK CITY,
A Model #11 was transferred to Flushing, NY for use at Elmhurst Station with the station name appearing in the dial.
Used here with the month, date and time removed to postmark 3" class mail.
After 5 days, return to [/ ff al aT
_ oF Tact Sel ee ee on ‘Oy
Renee = a att ae 5= PM
|
|
A Model #11 was also transferred to Clinton, IA for use at Lyons Station. Here the station name was located in the killer bars.
B. F. Cummins Co. ' 55 Machine Purchases
After Five Days Return to
Otranto Consolidated Schools OTRANTO, IOWA.
A Model #11 was transferred to Lyle, MN and used from 1923 to 1947.
Only reported use of a Model #11 from Hazardville, CT on Dec. 21, 1933.
| |
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
|
1912 continued to be a busy year for the BFC Co. The initial bids submitted Oct. 31, 1911 had all been rejected,
new tests of their high speed Model #11 machines had begun, they had sold 55 Model #11 machines to the post
office and new bids had been submitted to be opened on March 20. Congress had set a limit of $270 per
machine for this contract which excluded the International Flyer which had been leased at 300 per year. This
was one of the better machines and International was not willing to lower their price. Again the USPOD was !
undecided what to do with the submitted bids. |
Optimization of the new BFC Co. machines continued and is represented by a series of postmarks from Chicago
which used a variety of distinguishable postmark dials and cancel designs. This work continued to be done by
USPOD employees in Chicago with patent improvements often being assigned to the BFC Co. We'll look at
these experimental postmarks in order of their machine number.
RETURN IN 6 DAYS TO
BUREAU OF WATER LAC.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Sbec \ e
CITY HALL, CHICAGO 6-—.PM
Se on
i A
rP~ALIIi cn. AK fs 4 - bigs FA eal O
Machine #1 Dec. 2, 1912 Examples of this postmark are known from Aug. 1912 into Jan. 1913
Note the use of a Shermack perforated coil stamp.
on the Mar. 20, 1912 bids.. These awards were rescinded on Dec. 11 and ultimately all bids were rejected on Jan. 22, 1913. | |
| | |
|
| On Dec. 9, 1912 the USPOD sent out award letters to Time-Cummins, Universal and the American machine companies based
B. F. Cummins Co.
After 5 days, return to
AYDR & LORD TIE CoO.,
Incorporated, ;
Railway Exchange Bld.,
CHICAGO, ILL. -;
i fy
24-26-28 SO. FIFTH AVENUE
CHICAGO
——PUBLISHERS Or——
ILLINOIS STAATS-ZEITUNG
CHICAGOER PRESSE
WESTEN und DAHEIM
Continued Development
ie eee ‘ QO SEP Ve ¢ )\ Sac serene ener Ammar
1 = + Siu ot tl t* fen i ss
Lae SHIT LORE BION Bean y
ene“ P wien a
o e %,
Machine #2, Sept. 16, 1912
Mr, Virgil.M. Brand,
Elston Ave & Snow Str,
City
The tests on machine #2 continued into late 1912. An unusual example with a missing service mark.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
The changes made to machine #3 were more extensive than the other machines. We see different service marks being
used, changes to the killer bars, and more changes than the other machines being modified.
Ry Post Office Department _ fe leave, dy abieeh acne SF TICIAE BUS! BUSINESS
ae Foee =
— — eee = = at
QCA
Street and Nu or Post Office
Post Office at
County .
‘This card must be neatly and correctly made up and addressed at the post office where the article is registered, The postmaster who delivers the registered article must see that this card is properly signed, legibly postinarked, and mailed to the sender, w ithout env elope or postage. e
Machine #3, Dec.5,1912. Test postmark on a Registry Receipt with a D service letter.
BEN G. GREEN
After 10 Days Return to
1535 Masonic Temple CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
e
Buys and Sells Rare Coins, Old
Latest catalogue of U. S. Coins
Paper Money and Postage Stamps. 4 RAAAAA
Mr. Virgil M. Brand,
mailed for ten cents. 2550 Histon Avée,
Chicago, Tl.
Feb. 4, 1913 postmark with a different postmark die than the previous example. Differences are noticeable in the shape of the
second C in Chicago and the shape of the G.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
On Dec. 12, 1912 the “Hearings before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Expenditures in the Post Office
Department” convened and met until Jan. 20, 1913. These hearings were led by Walter I. McCoy who had been
appointed as a committee of one to investigate the canceling machine contracts of the USPOD. This hearing
investigated the BFC Co bids and explored the favoritism that had seemed to be shown towards the BFC Co. The
2000 page minutes of these hearings provide a wonderful resource for understanding some of the action of the
principal players in this contract bidding.
On Jan. 30 the “Machine Cancel Committee” announced that all bids of Mar. 20, 1912 were rejected and on Feb. 1,
1913 a new cancelling committee was formed to open bids on Feb. 3, 1913 and make suitable recommendations.
The International Postal Supply Co. decided to enter a bid at the legal limit of $270 per machine.
UNITED STATES SENATE CHAMBERAING .
WASHINGTON. IS FEB T SA
> “330PM 1913
NOC:
Gen. John H. Prown,
Concord,
New Hampshire.
Personal.
One of two examples of J-dial Washington D.C. test postmarks, both examples are from the same day but have different dials. Tre
Proceedings of the Canceling Machine Hearings, p. 1564, records that a test of Machine #7 was run from 3:01 to 3:06 pm. 2620 pieces
of mail were canceled with 32 pieces not postmarked, 7 imperfectly postmarked and 3 mutilated. :
This cover, postmarked at 3:30 pm was probably part of this 5 minute test.
It was concluded from these Washington tests that the feed mechanism was judged to be based on a poor
principle. This was an inherent fault and would cause permanent trouble.
The final contract did not award any business to the BFC Co. Instead the Universal, International, Columbia, and
American companies divided the business. The BFC Co. never did lease any machines to the USPOD.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
Testing continued beyond the unsuccessful Washington tests. There was probably still hope within the BFC Co. that
a last minute effort could still secure some business.
Machine #3, Mar. 1, 1913. Note the shortened left edge of the top killer bar. Known only from this day.
The 4" and 6 bars are 6 and 10.5 mm respectively.
\
: : |
yee POSE | poouaoe = |
| THIS SIDE FOR CORRESPONDENCH\.
|
| | | |
Cc A
| neat | | a |
| °
| a |
: (J Later in March, the left edge of the 5, 6 and 7 bars were also shortened.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
EN
— SS 4
ee pa EEE
— 3—- emcees LE LT
« THIS SIDE OF CARO IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY) SS
Machine #3, Mar. 19, 1913,
The killer bars are all normal length but the 4" and 6 bars have been shortened to 4 and 9 mm respectively. Used for 5 days then
alternated with the next postmark. This dial has a tall “O” in Chicago.
nares ccs
THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY
Mine. 0.2. Waller
In April a different killer was in use on Machine #3 having 4 and 6" bar lengths of 8.5 and 10.5 mm respectively. Used
intermittently with the previous postmark through April and early May. The “O” in Chicago is rounder in this dial.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
Lb } \S— cc
f er
"Y
4 'f —
4- 0 J LZ we s
R y n ,
\ >
=e
= ~ =, \ : NN Stk eg AY 2 Ps Pp 6 a 1 » > \ a :
Para OS Sp ’ HR FIND > Z Q ya . i > § = (Ay Qs : A } f
So 8 SPS Sy, “Mn. o7- Lone y t v A a Tr Ny / i ( ah. <-Cs = pes oe LA x /
apy eX ehy q° 7) mee FDS ee iy (U7 tk \ & 6 & = as Ss ° t z <r
. nd S a \ % be
SS 5 ASS =
Machine #3, April 23, 1913 The same postmark and dial as used on Mar. 19, 1913.
f
Be eee & na 9 “0 ee eae
5 PY i C ecaeenseeee nanan!
\ oe 2
nee aT
2 u F.O.FAHL; z | HINCKLEY, i MINN.
tl
a21 & 929 W. MONROE STREET Our Mail Order Department Gives Quick Service
May 9, 1913 used the same dial and killer as was used on April 12, 1913.
No documentation has ever been found to describe the changes being made to the machines that caused these varieties. Altogether there are 43
different J dial postmarks including distinct usage periods. 14 of these were on machine #3.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
92bZe-y
Machine #4, May 7, 1912
ERU of Machine #4 postmark with this dial and a killer having a 4" and 6" bar length of 9 and 12 mm respectively..
rae Sete aa 0 See ae
ae Ce as SS
ee 9A 0 L5Ab] :
Pe eed oF :
ob
no ly
g “0 9
‘q nd
u o w m n y
°O
‘A
KINO ssHuddv wos
qdavo x
The dial and killer on machine #4 was changed in 1913 with the killer having 4 and 6" bar lengths of 4 and 11 mm.
The new dial has a smaller typeface.
SOd
B. F. Cummins Co.
[
|
a
Weary
Sai hat “urbl
oy : y > |
Bee je 4 ee ae a
Fecha Bone Cdk. | dagen aS = _ iia a gaa
Machine #5 didn’t appear until 1913 after the contract had already been decided.
This example has 4* and 6 bars in the killer 8.5 and 10.5 mm long.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ae )
CITY OF CHICAGO CAS Gres 210
6-PpM fo My 1913 7 : ¥
: ; . _\ es \ tC
= \
Later it appears that the 4" bar was shortened to 7 mm while the 6" bar remained at 10.5 mm.
The dials on these postmarks are identical.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
CHAS. BIEGER CO: NOT INC.
118 N. FRANKLIN STREET
CHICAGO Brand Brewing Co.,
Elston Ave. & Snow St., Chicago,
PAT. APP'D FoR
BIEGER'’S SYSTEM .
Early in March 1913 the left side of the bottom killer bar was shortened on the left side.
Et 2th Kfaniclliy | i. |
= . j /
ss N be ee A. f ¢
y 7
yr ”
y r
}
p e , $ 4
=
qsl Bf errs ale m4 WR X
tS Sf & LL, m 4 . 1 ea \ af \ ¢ A. f Bate eee pa cae ta, Ss ae -
By Mar. 24, 1913 the bottom two bars had been shortened on the left.
B. F. Cummins Co.
V.
0, H a m m o n
Pu b.
Co
., Ch ic
ag o
No .
14 24
,
XN
Pom 4
AAW ts ”
SPACE MAY BE US FOR Ve ONDENC, :
oct Ch, ly ot Sher
oll Ort
Continued Development
C s
By June the killer had been replaced with one having a 4" bar only 5 mm in length on the left side but the left side of the bottom
killer bar is almost equal in length to the others and the next to last bar is equal with the others. This is the LRU of a test postmark
from machine #5.
The postmark was 7 days before the new USPOD contract went into effect on July 1, 1913. By this time it must have been very obvious to the BFC
Co that they would receive no contract but some testing still continued.
B. F. Cummins Co. Continued Development
No test postmarks have ever been reported from #6 in Chicago.
RETURN IN 6 DAYS TO
SuitTpn 1503-1512 Harris TrRusT BLDG.
CxuroaGo, ILus.
Vergil M. Brand, Pres
c/o Brand Brewing Co
2540 Fliston Ave
Chicago
Machine #7 postmark from Dec. 17, 1912. The 4" and 6' bars are 10 mm and 13 mm respectively.
After 5 days, return to
| HUMISTON KEELING & CO., LRACA, fon ee NN 312-316 W. Randolph St., {> AN} ee ; poss 2
CHICAGO, ILL. i 6 PH "| sates) ee —f A
Voi
A new killer was installed on Machine #7 by January, 1913. This had 4" and 6" killer bars lengths of 8.5 and 11 mm respectively.
B. F. Cummins Co.
WILL SS
“Donaldson” Line
TO EUROPE
Montreal--Glasgow EVERY
SATURDAY
Horace M. Starkey,
William Brown Blds.,
Rockf ora,
Tllinois.
Early in March 1913 a new killer was in place having a 4" bar of only 8.5 mm.
*
AFTER FIVE DAYS, RETURN TO
MORTON SALT COMPANY
717 RAILWAY EXCHANGE GHICAGO, ILL.
‘ F,
Same postmark type as used on Mar. 4, 1913 but the service letter slug has been inserted inverted printing a solid circle.
Franklin Grove Bank,
Franklin Grove, Ills.
wy tee a
B. F. Cummins Co.
Final Activity
On June 30, 1913 the BFC Co contract to lease the Time Marking Machines expired. Ideally the machines would
have been turned off and discontinued. However some cities continued to use their machines into July and even
August of 1913. These are often referred to as “illegal usages”. There were over 130 machines provided under the
contract and approximately 35 machines continued to be used past the end of the contract.
&
7
a7
x c
C a t Y
A f
oS
ef,
THIS SPACE FOR ccm
Sp 7, oy eu hy A aacnuc.. Cetearecter = a og is is
4 A
THE ADDRESS noene wy eee ver
Di ck
po e g y
pr
e e O s
fe s a y ,
e e
p y
1 7
Mo e e r 77 0
—
yp
, c u t =
W o p
a oo
%
C-112 postmark from Rockford, IL machine #2. The only reported example of a C type postmark beyond the contract period. This
was the discovery copy of this postmark, since then an example from June has been found.
Ca pi to !
Se ri es
No .
54 6
Cleczing2 GM
ils a — St neo! aan tg
A-104 postmark, July 17, 1913, from Springfield, IL.
B. F. Cummins Co. Final Activity
Pe SOY
ies \ (His SIDE OF CARD IS GR WODRESS ONLY}——_ (>
P U B L I S H E D
BY TH
E EL IT E
PO ST
CA RD
CO .,
KA NS
AS
CI TY
, MO .
MA DE
IN
U. S.
AL
LE AS
THIS SFAOR FOR wnt 10 00 AM
Wa 1913 IND:
In d.
Pu b.
by H o o s i e r
Po st
Ca
rd
Co .,
Ma
ri
.
D-104 postmarks from Fairmont, WV; Marion, IN; and Kansas City, MO beyond contract period
and an A-104 postmark from Gary, IN.
B. F. Cummins Co. Final Activity
Even after failing to receive a contract and watching their contract expire on June 30, 1913 the BFC Co continued with
some limited development and testing.
| = ‘i G AS Pee
Koy WO\ - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS nee
Aa &
ae :
Mr.Virgil M.Brand,
Elston Ave.& Snow St., % Brand Brg.Co. Chicago, 111.
July 11, 1913 postmark from one of the unnumbered test machines.
Aug. 2, 1913 postmark from machine #1.
B. F. Cummins Co. Final Activity
(Crrs SIDE OF CARD IS 1S FOR ADDRESS ONLY)
SLD Sot le &
; Bhame »
S Aug 28, 1913 postmark from one of the unnumbered test machines.
Left side of center killer bar is 5.5 mm, a different postmark than that from July 11, 1913 on the previous page.
a conerfi Ss Cae AND Cae E
CHICAGO. —The Congress Hotel and Anny : is situated on Michigan Avenue, on the
| met of Congress Street. facing naa This hotel is one of the
iu e rnished in t, . >
Kt et
, IL
L.
MA CE
IN
U.
Ee
e e e
FOR ADDRESS ONLY. oe si ai a aaa gaat 8 Jiao
Aug. 30, 1913 postmark from machine #3, missing the service mark.
B. F. Cummins Co.
Tests in Chicago continued
into September, used here on
a #10 envelope, not commonly
used during tests
Final Activity
j The final tests of the BFC Co
machine took place in Washington
D.C. in 1916.
These were probably in a failed attempt to
gain some business with the next contract
which should have begun on July 1, 1916.
A side view is here shown of the White
House, the columns of the portico stand: jing out in bold relief. This view is ‘NG
from ene east one of the srounds, R NG which the public is permitted / es showing the North front and lo Si i \2 ¢ wards the State, War and Navy{§ ey George Washington selected the site “ind _ laid the cornerstone in 1792. he i 6} President to oceupy it was John AQams jin 4800, It was burned by the BriNgh {nr
* 4814 during President Madison’s Adm = tration, who occupied Octagon House, Bighteenth and New York avenues, tem- porarily as the White House. After its res- toration it was painted white to obliterate all marks of the fire.
ec _ Cprasrw
A t4
4 AE CEA vtec j& & thay” \ 4 hn i
we YUrigtte ti gart bare
A f- re f i AD Ag had ts go th Me beaptet wrtoye
) a ‘ OAL All astray J ory eh = oh 4 ot PZ 4
will ,effoll AA M3 tfetd Fear ¢
natal Ruke afm are alf
Y ee
Pub. by W. B, Garrison, Inc.,, Washington, D. C,
5 Z -
Af t ee a, |, Weel
ADDRESS =,
Myre Willa Coelia
|
Ue
No. 3105
B. F. Cummins Co. Final Activity
QO°COR
1934 MAY 22 6 PM
RICHARD 5. FOSTER
1604 Laure} Ave.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
>
Roscoe, CA used their hand powered machine into the 1930’s. The earliest reported use was from 1930.
This machine was probably transferred from another city. j
CONWaN
FEB 6 7 AM
Mineo = Oo. s |
COnaRT gone 9) | ‘ & DONEL “yf | he CONWAY, MASS.US.A. -
Conway, MA used their machine for over 30 years.
B. F. Cummins Co. Final Activity
aw EAD APRes bP h
Wis.
© w mn
1 fdas. eee ile ne =
UNIQUE TYPE OF CANCEL USED
ONLY BY THIS POST OFFICE, ee ; : 4/7 oS
O Liga
Sturtevant, WI used their machine into the 1930’s. They recognized their uniqueness and used a special cachet on this philatelic
card to Karl Scheufier.
Avs fe oi SO Fuclig
- May.
MOE LUFF 12 GREENE ROAD
SPRING VALLEY, N. ¥ [09 77
Stanchfield, MN applied the latest reported use of a BFC Co machine on Oct. 19, 1964. The month and date dial appears to still
rotate to get the proper month and date. The year in the killer was no longer a 4 digit year but was abbreviated to just a two digit
year. It was probably a challenge to get replacement slugs for this old machine.
This cover was sent to well-known postmark collector Moe Luff.
Exhibits by Members of the MCS
Contact information for the Society's President.
Main Machine Cancel Society Page
Updated 16 December 2024
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